Kashmir Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Gilani passes away

Syed Ali Gilani had been under house arrest for the last many years.

SRINAGAR (Dunya News) – Veteran Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Gilani passed away in Srinagar today.

According to Kashmir Media Service, he has passed away later this evening, a family member told media. He was 92.

Syed Ali Gilani had been under house arrest for the last many years.

Syed Ali Gilani born on 29 September 1929, a veteran of Kashmiri politics is the Chairman of the Tehreek-e-Hurriyat Jammu and Kashmirand the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC).

He is a staunch opponent of Indian illegal occupation of Jammu and Kashmir and leads Kashmiris’ struggle for right to self-determination.

He was previously a member of Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu and Kashmir but later on founded his own party by the name of Tehreek-e-Hurriyat. He has served as the Chairman of All Parties Hurriyat Conference, a forum of freedom parties in Jammu and Kashmir. He was a member of Kashmir Assembly from the Sopore constituency of Jammu and Kashmir three times (1972, 1977 and 1987).

Born on 29 September 1929, Syed Ali Gilani all along his life strived for the cause of freedom of Kashmir from Indian illegal occupation. He remained at the forefront of the Kashmiris’ struggle for right to self-determination.

He remained associated with the Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu and Kashmir for most part of his life but later founded his own party by the name of Tehreek-e-Hurriyat Jammu and Kashmir Tehreek-e-Hurriyat.

He led the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) until late quitting the pro-freedom amalgam due to his worsening health condition.

Condolences 

Prime Minister Imran Khan and President Arif Alvi have expressed their heartfelt condolences over the demise of Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Gilani.

Prime Minister Imran Khan in his tweet said, "Deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Kashmiri freedom fighter Syed Ali Geelani who struggled all his life for his people & their right to self determination."

— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) September 1, 2021

Imran Khan said that he suffered incarceration and torture by the occupying Indian state but remained resolute.

We in Pakistan salute his courageous struggle and remember his words: "Hum Pakistani hain aur Pakistan Humara hai", Imran Khan stated.

PM Imran said that the Pakistan flag will fly at half mast and we will observe a day of official mourning.

On the other hand President Arif Alvi also expressed grief and sorrow over the demise of brave Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Gilani.

President in his statement said that with the death of Syed Ali Gilani Kashmir has lost a great leader. 

Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on his Twitter handle while expressing regret over sudden demise of Hurriyet leader said Pakistan mourns the loss of Syed Ali Shah Geelani, torch bearer of the Kashmir freedom movement. Shah Sb fought for the rights of Kashmiris till the very end, under house arrest of Indian occupation. May he rest in peace and may his dream of freedom come true.

Pakistan mourns the loss of Syed Ali Shah Geelani, torch bearer of the Kashmir freedom movement. Shah Sb fought for the rights of Kashmiris till the very end, under house arrest of Indian occupation. May he rest in peace and may his dream of freedom come true.

— Shah Mahmood Qureshi (@SMQureshiPTI) September 1, 2021

Former Occupied Kashmir CM Mehbooba Mufti shared the news of Geelani s death on Twitter and mourned the loss of the Hurriyet leader.

Saddened by the news of Geelani sahab’s passing away. We may not have agreed on most things but I respect him for his steadfastness & standing by his beliefs. May Allah Ta’aala grant him jannat & condolences to his family & well wishers.

— Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) September 1, 2021

"Saddened by the news of Geelani sahab’s passing away. We may not have agreed on most things but I respect him for his steadfastness & standing by his beliefs. May Allah Ta’aala grant him jannat & condolences to his family & well wishers," she wrote. 

Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) chief Sirajul Haq took to the Twitter to express his heartfelt condolences.

— Siraj ul Haq (@SirajOfficial) September 1, 2021

“Syed Ali Gilani was the center of hope and encouragement for the freedom fighters of the past and this century and was also a source of hope and encouragement for the Pakistanis and freedom fighters around the world. Pakistan today has lost its most loyal son. His struggle against Indian imperialism will always be a proverb in history,” he wrote.

Former member of the House of Lords British politician of Pakistani origin Lord Nazir Ahmed said, “A veteran Kashmiri leader Syed Ali Shah Gilani has died. He dedicated his full life for justice and freedom struggle. We pray for him and family.”

A veteran Kashmiri leader Syed Ali Shah Gilani has died. He dedicated his full life for justice and freedom struggle. We pray for him and family. pic.twitter.com/N8o3OygqE5

— Lord Nazir Ahmed (@nazir_lord) September 1, 2021