Restrictions imposed, mobile internet to be suspended
Srinagar, Sep 1: Veteran Kashmiri separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani passed away in Srinagar on late Wednesday evening. He was 92.
Family sources said that he passed away late this evening at his uptown Hyderpora residence in Srinagar.
Born in 1929 in Zurimanz village in north Kashmir’s Sopore area , Geelani was a member of the Jamaat-e-Islami and later founded his own party called the Tehreek-e-Hurriyat.
He served as the Chairman of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference, a conglomerate of various separatist parties, formed on July 31, 1993. In September 2003, the Hurriyat Conference split on the questions of its future strategies, the role of militancy, and dialogue. Subsequently, Tehreek-e-Hurriyat came into existence. Before becoming staunch separatist figure, Geelani was an MLA from Sopore constituency and had won in 1972. He won in the Assembly polls from the same constituency in 1977 and 1987.
“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,” former Chief Minister and People’s Democratic Party leader Mehbooba Mufti tweeted.
Peoples Conference chairman Sajad Lone expressed condolences with bereaved family and prayed for peace to the departed soul. “Heartfelt condolences to the family of Syed Ali Shah Geelani Sahib. Was an esteemed colleague of my late father. May Allah grant him Jannat,” Lone wrote on twitter.
Meanwhile, sources said that security establishment has decided to make elaborate arrangements in wake of the Geelani’s demise. “Restrictions have been imposed including suspension of internet services in the Valley,” local news agency GNS quoted IGP Kashmir Vijay Kumar as having said.
