Today marks the 3rd death anniversary of Syed Ali Shah Gillani, a top separatist leader in Indian-administered Kashmir who breathed his last at his Hyderpora residence in Srinagar on September 1, 2021, where he had been kept under house arrest by the Indian authorities for over a decade.
He was not just a freedom fighter but a freedom lover who never gave up on the principled stance of Kashmiri’s right to self-determination and remained committed to this right for the people of Kashmir. Throughout his lifetime, Geelani provided unwavering support to the Kashmiri movement and advocated for the cause using peaceful methods. Over a period exceeding 70 years, he actively promoted the Kashmiri right to self-determination from various political platforms, including Jamaat-e-Islami (Jammu and Kashmir), Muslim United Front, All Parties Hurriyat Conference, and Tehreek-e-Hurriyat.
Through his writings, he reached out to India. He wrote to the Indian parliament, “I am addressing you on behalf of my people, who have been striving for peace, justice, freedom, and dignity. During these years we have suffered immensely at the hands of your armed forces, who are implementing the policy of subjugation and control over our lives, resources, culture, and dignity.” Syed Geelani also wrote to the Parliament of Pakistan. “We are grateful for the support of the Pakistani people and expect that politicians and all sections of the Pakistani society will continue to extend its moral, political, and diplomatic support to the Jammu and Kashmir freedom struggle,” he wrote.
He spent more than 13 years in Indian jails and was first imprisoned in 1962 and was even booked under sedition charges for challenging India’s illegal occupation of Jammu and Kashmir. His unflinching commitment to the Kashmiris’ rights has inspired generations of Kashmiris to resist the occupation and tyranny and will be remembered for his matchless sacrifices and unconditional love for Kashmir and Pakistan too because the late leader had great love and devotion for Pakistan, which was reflected in all of his speeches and interviews, and he always expressed his gratitude to the people of Pakistan for standing by the Kashmiri people through thick and thin. His pro-Pakistan orientation was to secure a peaceful future for the people of Kashmir. He once said, “Hum Pakistani Hain, Pakistan Hamara Hai.”
He is a model of exemplified fearlessness and an unparalleled icon of resistance. May his soul find peace, and may his legacy inspire those who are dedicated to advancing his cause of ending the illegal Indian occupation of Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan remains committed to providing unwavering support to the people of Kashmir until they achieve their rightful self-determination as outlined in the pertinent UN Security Council resolutions.
The author holds a Masters degree in History from the University of Karachi and is looking forward to pursuing higher studies in public administration and advancing Sustainable Development in her home country through historical analysis of socioeconomic challenges. She is committed to making innovative policy solutions as a policymaker, policy analyst, or policy researcher. Areas of interest also include leadership, diplomacy, and foreign policy. She is currently serving as an Intern researcher at Asian Politico.
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