Naila Altaf Kayani
Syed Ali Shah Geelani, a true embodiment of honesty, unwavering resoluteness, and visionary leadership, played a pivotal role in the Kashmir freedom movement. The tumultuous region of Kashmir, nestled between India and Pakistan, has been a center of geopolitical tension for decades. Geelani’s remarkable ideology and clarity in presenting the Kashmir issue served to unite his people in their singular pursuit, the liberation of Kashmir and the rightful self-determination of its people. He epitomized the essence of the struggle, capturing the hearts of Kashmiris with his passion and unwavering commitment to their cause. However, this noble endeavor came at a steep personal cost for him. Geelani’s journey is one of resilience, sacrifice, and unshakable resolve to his cause. Syed Ali Shah Geelani was born on September 29, 1929, in the picturesque village of Zoorimunz, located in the Bandipora district of Indian occupied Kashmir. He grew up in an environment that valued education, faith, and social justice. Geelani’s early exposure to the struggles faced by the Kashmiri population laid the foundation for his lifelong commitment to their cause. During his college years, Geelani emerged as a vocal proponent of the right to self-determination for the people of Kashmir. He actively participated in various protests against the Indian government’s policies in the region, which often resulted in arrests and imprisonments. His activism led him to join the member of Jamaat-e-Islami Kashmir in 1953, and was regarded as one of its most significant leaders. He made his way thrice to the legislative assembly of Jammu and Kashmir from the Sopore constituency, elected on a Jamaat-e-Islami ticket in 1972, 1977 and in 1987. Geelani’s political trajectory took a significant turn in the late 1980s when he distanced himself from mainstream politics and turned towards a more radical approach. He believed that the political process had failed to secure the rights and autonomy Kashmiris deserved. This marked the beginning of his staunch advocacy for Kashmiri freedom. As Affectionately hailed as the father of the indigenous Kashmiri freedom movement, Syed Ali Shah Geelani’s indomitable spirit marked him as a constant thorn in India’s side from the early 1960s onward. His fervent advocacy for the rightful merger of the Indian illegally occupied Jammu & Kashmir with Pakistan remained at the core of his lifelong dedication. In 2004, he took a decisive step by parting ways with JI and establishing Tehreek-e-Hurriyat, an entity that would eventually rise to prominence as the foremost organization within his segment of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC). As the years passed, Geelani’s influence grew within the freedom movement. Majority of Kashmiri Muslims view Geelani as one Kashmiri leader who has never made concessions to India and who has endured great personal hardship, including lengthy periods of imprisonment, for criticising what he and many other Kashmiris view as India’s illegal occupation of Jammu and Kashmir and its massive violations of human rights in the region. Geelani’s ideology resonated with many who felt that their aspirations were being ignored by India. Shah Abbas, a Srinagar-based journalist revealed how Geelani had been attempting to convince the public for decades that India aimed to alter the demographics of Kashmir. In a recorded interview nearly a decade prior to August 5, 2019, Geelani outlined Hindustan’s future plans as though he possessed remarkable foresight – a vision that eventually materialized. His predictions were validated after India’s unilateral move on August 5, leading to the revocation of Articles 370 and 35A from the Constitution. Despite these changes, Syed Geelani remained unwavering in his pre-revocation struggle. Throughout his lifetime, he consistently advocated for his aspirations through nonviolent means. Yet his advocacy for freedom was not without its challenges. He faced frequent house arrests and detentions by the Indian authorities, which attempted to suppress his influence. Despite these setbacks, Geelani remained steadfast in his convictions. His house became a symbol of resistance. Syed Ali Geelani exhibited a diverse range of intellectual pursuits. He was a devout religious thinker and author of over two dozen books and was proficient in Urdu, Arabic, and Persian languages. He used these traits to communicate his message through various means, including handwritten letters and public addresses. The years of struggle took a personal toll on Geelani as well. He faced criticism from various quarters, with some accusing him of inciting violence and disrupting the peace process. However, he maintained that his methods were a reflection of the urgency and severity of the Kashmiri situation. Geelani’s legacy is one of both admiration and controversy. While he is hailed as a hero by many who view him as a champion of Kashmiri self-determination, others criticize his unwavering stance, which they believe hindered the chances of finding a peaceful resolution to the Kashmir conflict. His decisions to boycott elections and resist negotiations with the Indian government were points of contention even within the separatist movement. He died on 1st September 2021 while under house arrest for over a decade. His death marked the end of an era in Kashmiri politics and separatism. The Indian government, out of concern for his influence, refused to allow a proper burial for the esteemed Kashmiri leader. This action was met with international condemnation for its harsh and inhumane nature. Syed Ali Shah Geelani’s life and struggle represent the complex and deeply rooted challenges faced by the people of Kashmir. His commitment to their rights and aspirations, even in the face of adversity, earned him a place as a symbol of resistance in the region. His unwavering pursuit of independence is an emblem of the unyielding determination of the Kashmiri people against the Indian occupation. Geelani’s legacy remains intertwined with the ongoing Kashmir conflict and the pursuit of self-determination. As the region continues to grapple with its political complexities, the memory of Syed Ali Shah Geelani will endure as a testament to the enduring spirit of those who dare to stand up for their beliefs, regardless of the challenges that lie ahead.
