Former Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani passes away at 92

Former Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani, aged 92, breathed his last on Wednesday at his residence in Srinagar.

New Delhi: Former Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani, breathed his last on Wednesday at his residence in Srinagar after a prolonged illness. He was 92 years old and under house arrest for the last 10 years. Police and family sources said that Geelani developed a severe breathing problem yesterday evening and around 10. 30 pm breathed his last.

Geelani was born on 29 September 1929 in Zurimanz village in north Kashmir's Sopore and was since his youth affiliated with the religious organization Jamaat-Islami. He was associated with JeI for decades and served as its chief as well prior to founding the Tehreek-e-Hurriyat, a separatist group with his associates. He was also the Chairman of All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC), a conglomerate of pro-separatist parties in Jammu and Kashmir.

The separatist leader had contested assembly elections from the Sopore constituency of Jammu and Kashmir in 1972, 1977 and in 1987 on Jammat ticket when the organisation contested elections with Muslim United Front. Geelani resigned from Hurriyat Conference as its chairman in June 2020 last year after the abrogation of Article 370.

His death is being widely mourned in Kashmir as people are expressing condolences on social media. Mainstream politicians have also expressed grief over the death of Geelani and expressed their condolences.

Tweet by Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti also expressed her condolence over the demise of Geelani. "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 and condolences to his family & well-wishers," Mufti tweeted.

Peoples Conference chairman and former Minister Sajad Lone tweeted: "Heartfelt condolences to the family of Syed Ali Shah Geelani Sahib. Was an esteemed colleague of my late father. May Allah grant him Jannat."

Kashmir Zone Inspector General of Police (IGP), Vijay Kumar on Wednesday informed that restrictions have been imposed in the valley including suspension of internet services. "Restrictions imposed including suspension of internet services in the Valley", said IGP Kashmir, adding that nobody except Geelani relatives will be allowed for the funeral.

Geelani was also sent a reminder notice to pay a penalty of Rs 14.4 lakh, which was imposed upon him under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).