PESHAWAR
\nIn the annals of resistance against oppression, few figures stand as resolutely as Syed Ali Shah Geelani, the prominent leader of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
\nFor over seven decades, Syed Ali Geelani epitomized the struggle against Indian occupation and systematic state terrorism, championing the cause of Kashmir\u2019s self-determination with unwavering resolve until his death.
\nGeelani\u2019s declaration, \u201cWe are Kashmiris and Pakistan is our country,\u201d became a rallying cry for those yearning for freedom in the contested valley.
\nHis life was marked by relentless resistance against Indian forces\u2019 repressive actions and a steadfast commitment to the principles of justice and self-determination as envisaged in UN resolutions.
\nDespite severe threats and an enduring house arrest, Geelani remained in IIOJK, confronting challenges with a bravery that left an indelible mark on the region. His legacy is a testament to his extraordinary courage and dedication to the Kashmir cause.
\nProfessor Dr Adnan Sarwar, a former Chairman international relations Department at University of Peshawar lauded Geelani\u2019s commitment, stating, \u201cLate Geelani Shahib received widespread admiration for his resolute stance on justice, equality, and human rights, enduring Indian persecution without retreating.\u201d
\nGeelani\u2019s profound connection to his people was evident until his death on September 1, 2021, during prolonged house arrest. The manner of his passing\u2014his body seized and buried without the presence of his family further highlighted the severe repression faced by the Kashmiri leader.
\nThis incident exposed the extent of Indian forces\u2019 disregard for human rights, as the family was barred from performing final rites.
\nHussain Khateeb, a member of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (Geelani Group), emphasized Geelani\u2019s role in revealing the scale of state violence.
\nCiting media reports and the Pakistani dossier from September 2021, Khateeb detailed the extensive human rights abuses in IIOJK, including unmarked graves, extrajudicial killings, and widespread torture.
\nSyed Ali Geelani also vocally opposed the use of pellet guns and cluster munitions against civilians, condemning the Modi government\u2019s tactics that targeted innocent lives and utilized civilians as human shields.
\nThe killing of freedom fighter Burhan Wani and the imprisonment of Yasin Malik underscored the harsh realities of the Indian regime\u2019s policies.
\nKhateeb also pointed to the anti-Muslim violence in BJP-led Tripura as evidence of the broader pattern of discrimination under Modi\u2019s government.
\nDr AH Hilali, former Chairman of the Political Science Department at University of Peshawar praised Geelani as a beacon of the Kashmiri struggle. \u201cHis life-long advocacy for self-determination in the face of intense persecution has inspired countless Kashmiris,\u201d he remarked. \u201cGeelani\u2019s legacy will continue to inspire future generations in their quest for freedom.\u201d
\nExperts argue that peace in South Asia hinges on resolving the Kashmir dispute, cautioning that further conflict could destabilize the region. They call on UN bodies to enforce resolutions on Kashmir and urge the Indian government to respect the rights of the Kashmiri people, including allowing Geelani\u2019s family to honor his final resting place.
\nThe enduring impact of Syed Ali Geelani\u2019s leadership is a reminder of the ongoing struggle for frerdom, justice and self-determination in Kashmir.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
PESHAWAR In the annals of resistance against oppression, few figures stand as resolutely as Syed Ali Shah Geelani, the prominent leader of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). For over seven decades, Syed Ali Geelani epitomized the struggle against Indian occupation and systematic state terrorism, championing the cause of Kashmir\u2019s self-determination with unwavering resolve […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":422551,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-511029","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-peshawar"],"yoast_head":"\n