Kashmiri separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani passed away following a prolonged illness, aged 91, at his residence in Srinagar on Wednesday night.
Geelani was a member of the banned organization Jamaat-e-Islami Kashmir and later founded his own party named Tehreek-e-Hurriyat. In June 2021, he resigned as the chairman of All Parties Hurriyat Conference (G) alleging that the amalgam was ailing due to mismanagement of its members. Geelani was also an MLA from the Sopore constituency of Jammu and Kashmir for three times – in 1972, 1977 and 1987.
Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti took to Twitter to express her grief on the demise of separatist leader Geelani. Expressing her sorrow, Mufti said, “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 and standing by his beliefs. May Allah Ta’aala grant him Jannat & condolences to his family and well-wishers,” in her tweet.
IGP Kashmir Vijay Kumar said that restrictions including the suspension of internet services will be imposed in the valley.
