ISLAMABAD : One of the foremost stalwarts of the Kashmiri struggle for self-determination, Syed Ali Geelani passed away late on Wednesday at the age of 92. This tragic news shook residents both in Pakistan and IIOJK as the passing of a hero of such stature will certainly be felt by the movement against the illegal occupation of Kashmir. Geelani had been under house arrest for the past 11 years and had been ill for several months. He will be remembered as an uncompromising campaigner against Indian oppression who inspired three generations of Kashmiris to resist in the face of unabated tyranny.
Reports reveal that the resistance leader was buried in a tightly controlled pre-dawn ceremony as the Indian forces imposed a region wide lockdown. A curfew imposed due to “security reasons” took away the fundamental right of organising a proper funeral for Mr Geelani. What is even more atrocious is the fact that while Mr Geelani’s family was preparing for the last rites, a heavy contingent of occupation forces raided his residence in Srinagar, harassed family members and snatched Geelani’s body.
This is a barbaric act which shows how afraid the Modi government is of Mr Geelani and his legacy that it had to resort to this inhuman act even after his passing. It is also an illustration of the callousness on part of the occupying troops and proves beyond doubt that India will dismiss all civil and human norms in perpetuating its occupation of Kashmir.
This is another reminder for the international community to take serious note of the unprecedented and egregious situation in IIOJK and to hold India responsible for its violations of international human rights and humanitarian laws.
It is indeed foolish on part of New Delhi to think that such reprehensible acts will help suppress the voices of resistance. An organic resistance movement can’t be done away with through repressive measures as has been evidenced over the past decade. Regardless of the Modi government’s desperate attempts, Syed Ali Geelani’s legacy will live on and it will inspire many others to carry forward his mission of bringing an end to the illegal Indian occupation of Jammu and Kashmir.(The Nation)