Today marks the third death and the rise of Syed Ali Geelani’s the towering Kashmiri leader. The cross-border, brave-hearted Kashmiri leaders lead such processions every year with more backup than ever before. Nonetheless, Syed Ali Geelani, one of those revered leaders who devoted most of his life to the cause of Kashmir liberation, still holds up the head of the victory against the Indian annexation. Sadly but truly, his life could hardly be better described than as the never-ending quest for the right to self-governing for all the people of Kashmir. Fortunately enough, his existence till this time today has served many aspirants in that region and outside, too.
Early Life and the Beginning of the Struggle
Syed Ali Geelani was born on September 29, 1929, in the small village of Zirmanz in the Bandipora district of occupied Kashmir. It is thus not surprising that Geelani, from a very small age, looked up to Kashmira’s freedom, and with time, this resolve only increased more. Their subsequent studies made Geelani inclined towards Islam and its teachings; these worldly activities began to shape his perspective. One of Geelani’s youthful engagements with the Jamaat-e-Islami movement, which is religious, political, and social, enabled him to develop a hatred for the Indian governance in Kashmir from a very young age.
Establishment of the Hurriyat Conference and Tehreek-e-Hurriyat
Syed Ali Geelani was a central figure in forming the major organizations that he hoped would be instrumental in achieving the much-desired freedom for Kashmir. In 1993, he took an active part in the formation of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC), which is a coalition of various pro-freedom parties in Jammu and Kashmir. The APHC soon emerged as a prominent forum of political rhetoric and activism, carrying an embodiment of the aspirations of the Kashmiri people in the struggle against the Indian occupation. In APHC’s Geelani period, the salient features included the rigid attitude towards the idea of negotiations with the Indian government.
Subsequently, in 2004, Geelani established Tehreek-e-Hurriyat, which is a more extremist and active section in the Kashmir freedom struggle with a slogan of ‘by any means necessary.’ Under his headship, the Tehreek-e-Hurriyat made demands for the withdrawal of Indian troops from Kashmir in totality and unconditionally as the primary goal.
Imprisonment and Political Activities Syed Ali Geelani’s
Although he adopted a strict position against Indian hegemony, Syed Ali Geelani took part in electoral politics in India, a position that he later argued was to help advocate for the rights of the people of Kashmir within the framework. As a result, for three terms, he represented the Sopore constituency in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly. Nevertheless, his partisan loyalties do not reflect in gaining the popularity these elections offer; rather, he has steadfastly, without fear, battled against Indian occupation and the quest for liberty.
There is a saying that working for the cause of resistance comes at a price; in Geelani’s case, it dwells on a very high personal sacrifice to achieve. He spent the better part of two decades in different prisons in India, enduring very bad and filthy conditions. It was during this period of his confinement that he wrote about his experiences in captivity in a book, “Rudad-e-Qafas” (Story of the CCTV Self), which is basically his autobiography. The fast has documented and treated the struggle against colonial subjugation Lau Kane Luke since centuries changes in the last one due pain of Yes surgeon is purely once stationed outside the dune lasprotour pocket- Canberra rule than absolute toleration of developments in an area.
Home Detention for the Last Years of Life
From 2010 until Syed Ali Geelani died in 2021, the government of India had placed him under house arrest. Wow. Regardless of these limitations, Geelani was not any less of a leader, as his voice and ideas still appealed to the people of Kashmir.
Death and Aftermath Syed Ali Geelani’s
Syed Ali Geelani, a prominent separatist leader in Kashmir, passed away on September 1, 2021, at his Hyderpora residence in Srinagar, British. There was widespread grief and respect shown from all quarters in Kashmir and Pakistan over his demise. The Indian government placed restrictions across the Kashmir Valley, including a curfew, banned the internet, and suspended media reporting for reasons of insecurity and protest.
Geelani’s strong attachment to Pakistan was evident when his remains were fittingly draped with a Pakistan flag during his burial. His death was not only mourned in Kashmir; Pakistan also grieved deeply. A funeral prayer in his absence was held in the national assembly, and the tricolor was respectfully flown at half-mast.
Legacy and Recognition Syed Ali Geelani’s
Commemorating his struggle and sacrifices for the cause of Kashmir freedom, the Government of Pakistan conferred the honor of Nishan-e-Pakistan, the highest civilian award of Pakistan, upon Syed Ali Geelani on the eve of the 73rd Independence Day of Pakistan. This award demonstrates the esteem and regard that Pakistan has towards Geelani and makes one healthily doubt his selfless dedication to the Kashmir cause.
Many millions continue to imprint the cause of justice, freedom, and peace in Kashmir in their hearts as they follow the rightful struggle of Syed AlGeelaniis. Their sacrifices, struggles, and, even more, their steadfastness are the lifetime motivation for those who still advocate for the rights and respect of the Kashmiri people.
