Pakistanis and Kashmiris gathered in Paris on Wednesday to commemorate the martyrdom anniversary of veteran Kashmiri Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani, paying rich tribute to his lifelong struggle for the rights of the people of Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
Geelani passed away on September 1, 2021, while under house arrest at his Hyderpora residence.
International Kashmir Peace Forum France (IKPF) organised the commemorative event in which a large number of community members and human rights activists participated, recalling Geelani’s decades-long political and ideological struggle for the Kashmir cause.
Speakers at the event paid tribute to the late leader for his steadfastness, sacrifices and commitment to the right of self-determination of the IIOJK people. They said Geelani remained a prominent voice of resistance and continued to advocate the Kashmir cause despite prolonged political repression and restrictions.
Read: Ali Geelani: an unparalleled icon of resistance
The participants also highlighted Geelani's role in keeping the Kashmir issue alive at international forums and among successive generations of Kashmiris. They said his political struggle and sacrifices would continue to inspire those advocating a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute in accordance with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
IKPF President Zahid Hashmi said the anniversary was an opportunity to remember Geelani’s services and sacrifices and to reaffirm solidarity with the people of IIOJK. He stressed the need for the international community to remain engaged with the Jammu and Kashmir dispute and support efforts aimed at achieving a lasting and peaceful settlement.
The participants observed that Geelani’s life was marked by political perseverance and an unwavering position on the Kashmir dispute. They paid respects to his memory and prayed for the departed leader.
Read More: Syed Ali Geelani's third death anniversary: PM and President honour legacy
The gathering also reiterated the participants’ commitment to highlighting the Kashmir issue in Europe and drawing international attention to the political and human rights situation in IIOJK.
The event concluded with prayers for the departed soul of Geelani and for peace and justice for the people of IIOJK.
Who was Syed Ali Geelani?
Born in 1929 in the village of Zeri Manz, Tehsil Bandipora, Geelani was a pivotal figure in the Kashmiri freedom movement and remained a staunch advocate for the region's accession to Pakistan.
Geelani's political journey saw him elected to the legislative assembly of IIOJK in 1972, 1977, and 1987.
He was a member of the National Conference, Jamaat-e-Islami, and the Tehreek-e-Hurriyat, and in 1993, he co-founded the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC), serving as its chairman three times between 1998 and 2006.
In 2015, the APHC leadership appointed him as its lifetime chairman.
Under house arrest for the last 11 years of his life, Geelani's passport was confiscated by the Indian government in 1981.
He passed away on September 1, 2021, in Hyderpora, Srinagar, after which a strict curfew was imposed by the Indian authorities, and communications were suspended across the region.
Geelani’s body was buried wrapped in the Pakistani flag, and the National Assembly observed a symbolic funeral prayer with the national flag flown at half-mast.
Known for his unwavering stance against Indian rule and his support for Kashmir’s accession to Pakistan, Geelani authored 21 books, including Rudad-e-Qafas and Nawai Hurriyat.
In recognition of his contributions to the freedom movement, the Government of Pakistan awarded him the country's highest civilian honour, the Nishan-e-Pakistan.
Source link
