NEW DELHI: In a statement that has sparked furore, Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani on Thursday called militants who were gunned down by the Army in south Kashmir's Pulwama district 'bravehearts'.Geelani is believed to have termed militants as 'martyrs'. "The sacred blood of martyrs will not go in vain," Geelani has said, reported Times Now.Reacting to the statement, Harsh Dev Singh of NPP said, "He (Geelani) has always been supporting militancy in Kashmir valley. This is not the first time he made such a statement."Meanwhile, Colonel M N Rai, killed in a gun battle with militants in south Kashmir's Pulwama district, was cremated with full military honours.Army chief Gen Dalbir Singh placed a wreath as hundreds gathered to pay their last respects to the officer at the Cantonment.The 39-year-old brave officer was also given a gun salute. His pyre was lighted by the officer's elder brother Col D N Rai, who is also from the Gorkha Rifles like his sibling.Members of his regiment and Rashtriya Rifles unit were also present along with top officers from the Army Headquarters.Colonel M N Rai lost his life fighting terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Tral on January 27, just a day after being awarded Yudh Seva Medal.