The name of Syed Ali Shah Geelani stands out as a symbol of unwavering resilience in the annals of Kashmir’s tumultuous history. Born on September 29, 1929, and departing from this world on September 1, 2021, his life embodies the enduring struggle for Kashmiri self-determination.
Revered as a key figure in the indigenous freedom movement of Kashmir, he played a pivotal role in its advancement.
A massive march organized by the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) will honor Syed Ali Shah Geelani, an icon of the Kashmir resistance movement, in Hyderpora, Srinagar.
Kashmiris worldwide will join in protest demonstrations to highlight Indian brutalities in the occupied territory and garner international attention.
In parallel, the APHC-AJK chapter plans to conduct a seminar in Islamabad. Likewise, rallies are scheduled in Muzaffarabad and other Azad Jammu and Kashmir areas to commemorate his contributions and sacrifices for the Kashmir freedom movement.
Mushaal Mullick, the wife of Hurriyat leader Yasin Malik, paid tribute to the renowned Kashmiri leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani on the occasion of his second anniversary. She emphasized that his life inspires and uplifts our spirits.
Path to Political Engagement
Syed Ali Shah Geelani’s engagement in the advocacy for Kashmiri rights predates his formal foray into the realm of politics as a member of the Jammat-e-Islami (JeI) in 1952.
His political trajectory witnessed an ascent to the position of district chief in the Kupwara and Baramulla districts, underscoring the burgeoning extent of his influence.
Despite enduring periods of imprisonment extending for more than a dozen years, Geelani’s unwavering dedication to his cause remained resolute.
His initial detention in 1962, arising from his advocacy for the Kashmir issue, is a prominent illustration of his early commitment.
Initially, Geelani engaged in conventional political strategies to advance his cause. Yet, his evolving perspective prompted him to acknowledge the absence of genuine intent on the part of the Indian government in addressing the Kashmir dispute.
Confronting Unjust Legislation
His steadfast opposition to enforcing the stringent Indian legislative measure referred to as the Public Safety Act (PSA) manifested conspicuously.
Particularly noteworthy was his confrontation with the implementation of the rigorous PSA by the then Chief Minister, Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, in the region.
The PSA, which has been condemned as an arbitrary legal framework by Amnesty International, was originally designed to combat illicit timber trade.
However, revisions rendered it susceptible to misuse to suppress political dissent. Under this legislation, individuals could be incarcerated for a period of up to two years without the benefit of a formal trial.
The Birth of Indigenous Resistance
Syed Ali Shah Geelani was influential in establishing the Muslim United Front (MUF) in 1987, before the provincial elections.
Within the framework of the MUF, diverse Muslim political entities coalesced to oppose pro-India factions, most notably the National Conference.
Notwithstanding the diligent efforts of the MUF, only a limited number of candidates, including Geelani, succeeded in securing electoral victories amid allegations of electoral manipulation.
Consequently, he and three other triumphant candidates were apprehended by the Indian government.
This pivotal juncture marked the inception of an indigenous armed resistance movement against what was perceived as the “illegitimate Indian presence in the Indian-administered region of Jammu and Kashmir” (IIOJK).
Subsequently, there were notable transformations in the political terrain as the governance arrangement formed through the alliance between the National Conference and the Congress unraveled in response to the outbreak of an armed insurgency in the early 1990s.
Pioneering Collective Advocacy
The formation of the All Parties Hurriyat (Freedom) Conference (APHC) in 1992 marked a noteworthy advancement.
Comprising more than 30 pro-independence parties, including representation from the Jammat-e-Islami (JeI) through Syed Ali Shah Geelani, the APHC aimed to intensify the campaign for Kashmir’s right to self-determination.
Geelani’s resolute position was pivotal in enhancing his popularity, particularly among the younger demographic.
His public demonstrations of solidarity, such as accompanying the remains of deceased freedom fighters and delivering speeches commending the resistance movement, were conspicuous indicators of his influence.
Uprising
In August 2004, Syed Ali Shah Geelani, in collaboration with Muhammad Ashraf Sehrai, established the Tehreek-e-Hurriyat (Movement of Freedom), which gained prominence during the widespread civil upheaval that ensued in 2008.
Syed Ali Shah Geelani’s prominence endured, especially following the “demilitarization movement” initiation in 2009.
The eventful year of 2010 marked a significant catalyst for large-scale protests, as Indian security forces were implicated in a contrived confrontation resulting in the demise of three civilians along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Machil region.
Continued Commitment in Challenging Times
Following the demise of the prominent youthful freedom fighter Burhan Wani at the hands of Indian security forces in 2016, Syed Ali Shah Geelani, in collaboration with Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Muhammad Yasin Malik, organized demonstrations to denounce what was perceived as the excessive use of force by Indian occupying authorities.
Subsequently, in the aftermath of India’s abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A, which resulted in the revocation of the region’s autonomous status and its distinction as the sole Muslim-majority state, Geelani steadfastly maintained his dedication to the ongoing struggle.
Read more: Kashmir: A Human Rights Crisis Under Occupation
From August 5, 2019, Gillani remained under house arrest until his demise on 1 September 2021.
Final Rest
The Indian government’s refusal to grant proper burial rites to the esteemed Kashmiri leader elicited global condemnation due to its perceived brutality and disregard for fundamental human rights.
Despite this treatment, Syed Ali Shah Geelani’s enduring legacy as a prolific author, with a body of work comprising approximately 30 books, including his autobiography “Wular Kinaray,” persisted.
In flagrant violation of human rights, his family was prevented from conducting the customary last rites, and he was interred amidst a stringent military lockdown in Haiderpora, Srinagar.
During the preparations for his final journey, Indian occupying forces forcefully intervened at his residence, causing distress to his family and relocating his remains.
Subsequently, a curfew was imposed, and internet services were suspended, exacerbating the oppressive atmosphere.
International Outcry
The actions undertaken by the Indian government elicited extensive condemnation, garnering scrutiny from international bodies such as the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and prominent news agencies and publications, including Reuters, The Washington Post, and France 24.
Pakistan also joined the chorus in condemning what it perceived as India’s “barbaric act” in forcibly taking custody of Syed Ali Shah Geelani’s remains.
