Syed Ali Shah Geelani. سید علی شاہ گیلانی (born September 29, 1929)[1] is a prominent political leader from Jammu and Kashmir. He is one of prominent figures of Valley who supports "Right to Self Determination" for people Jammu and Kashmir .He favoured the conditional/temporary accession of Kashmir to Pakistan. In his early Life, he had formed a party by the name Tehreek-e-Hurriyat, but later on, he dissolved his party and became a member of Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu and Kashmir. However, due to a sequence of events, he has also reformed his own party for the struggle of breaking away from India and securing the right to self-determination for the people of Kashmir, Tehreek-e-Hurriyat, which is a component of All Parties Hurriyat Conference, of which he is the Chairman.
Syed Geelani was born in a town called Zoorimunz, Bandipora,in North Kashmir. After his preliminary education in Sopore, he went on to graduate from the Oriental College in Lahore.
He has two sons named Naseem and Nayeem, and five daughters. He traditionally enjoyed a good amount of support in Kashmir, but off late, the numbers have risen considerably and he is reportedly, the most popular leader of Kashmir [citation needed]. Today he is Chairman of Separatist Group, Tehreek e Huriyat and a member of Jammat e Islami. He was among the members of jamaat who advocated non-violent means to achieve its ends.
Syed Geelani has been an aficionado of Jihad, Muslim history and Islamic poetry for most of his life. He has been influenced from the writings of Nasim Hijazi, Allama Iqbal and Maulana Maududi.[2] He has authored more than thirty books and booklets about various topics in Urdu, which include the current separatist movement, his experience in jail, and his political beliefs. His books Roodad-e-Qafas, and 'Kralagund se Jhodpur tak', describe his views on what he went through in prison.[3] The books also provide the analysis of others who were imprisoned along with him. Another book that he has written is Maqtal sey Vaapsi (A Return from the Execution Grounds).[3] In this tome Geelani mentions that he is constantly being put in jail for his pro Pakistan views, and for refusing an offer from the Indian intelligence to "play a double role" for them.[3] It also mentions the reasons why the current terrorism began, describes in detail the violations of human rights being committed by India, and explains his reasons on why Kashmir should merge with Pakistan. In his book, Safar-e-Mehmood Main Zikar-e-Mazloom, Geelani states that Islam is the inspiration in their struggle against "oppressive Indian troops". In 2007, during Geelani’s treatment in Delhi, he authored a book “ROHE DEEN KA SHANASA... IQBAL[4]. He authored its second volume in 2008. "Geelani’s Safar-e-Mehmood Main Zikar-e-Mazloom released". Kashmir Watch. http://www.kashmirwatch.com/showarticles.php?subaction=showfull&id=1182906866&archive=&start_from=&ucat=3&var0news=value0news. . Syed Ali Geelani is often at his table writing Islamic literature.
Geelani does not think that the current peace process between India, and Pakistan has helped resolve the conflict.[5] He has blamed this on India, citing that they have not accepted Kashmir as a disputed territory, and have declared it an "integral" part of India.[6][7] Additionally, Geelani has stated that there cannot be a peaceful solution until alleged human rights violations such as custodial killings, rapes and arrests by Indian Armed Forces are stopped.[6] He has also said while Pakistan has shown flexibility in its position, India continues to be rigid in its stance. Geelani believes that India is "cheating Pakistan", and that it has no intention to solve the dispute.[5] He has also accused the Indian government of changing the demographics of Kashmir, by giving non-locals state subject certificates - required in order to buy land in Kashmir under Article 370 of India's constitution - in order to make the Kashmiri people a minority in their own land.[8]
Although most of Geelani's criticism is directed at India, he has also criticized the Pakistani governments for their dealings with India. When asked about Pakistan's policy regarding Kashmir he stated "your strategy is to shake hands with the people who play with our lives, rape our daughters, arrest our people, kill them and discard their bodies in police stations".[5] He has also criticized the Pakistani media for not reporting violations of human rights in the state of Jammu & Kashmir due to fear of undermining the peace process.
Geelani has blamed Pakistan's recent handling of the conflict largely on ex-President Pervez Musharraf. He has said that Musharraf is succumbing to pressure from India and the U.S., and that he is "fearful of India's military and economic power and has no faith in himself or his people".[9] Geelani also states that Musharraf does not have support from the people of Pakistan regarding his position on Kashmir. He has told Musharraf to "leave us alone", if he cannot support the Kashmiris the way Pakistan has been doing since 1947.[10] He has gone as far as to call the present regime headed by Musharraf an enemy of the Kashmiris, while maintaining that the Pakistani people remain their allies.[11]
To solve the conflict Geelani has said that India must withdraw its military, end human rights violations, and hold a plebiscite with the people of Kashmir deciding to join with either India or Pakistan.[12] Any other solution such as self-rule, joint control, demilitarisation, or more autonomy for Kashmir, is opposed by Geelani, who says self-determination which was promised by India and the United Nations is the only acceptable solution."India rigid, indifferent on Kashmir". News Network International. http://www.nni-news.com.pk/lastNode.php?transfer=yes&secure=yes&pointer=5258. Geelani admits that some of the population would prefer independence from both India and Pakistan, but he does not believe an independent Kashmir would be feasible, as Kashmir's neighbours including China would not accept it.[13]
Syed Ali Geelani has not changed his stand & statements since his involvement in politics[citation needed]. He has categorically opposed talks with India, until India does not accept Jammu and Kashmir as disputed state.
Geelani has said "Nobody supports terrorism. But this does not mean that a justified right should be curbed in the name of countering terrorism. Hindustan's political leaders themselves used force against the British empire. Bhagat Singh sacrified his life on the gallows. On April 14, 2000, after my release from an Indian jail, some media personnel asked me what justification there was for infiltration. I responded, 'Why did India send its troops to East Pakistan to support the movement there?' The questioners were rendered speechless."[5] Geelani is supported today by lakhs of Kashmiri youth who consider Geelani saviour of Kashmir and seek inspiration. People from Sopore and Anantnag are main supporters of Geelani
Syed Ali Shah Geelani. سید علی شاہ گیلانی (born September 29, 1929)[1] is a prominent political leader from Jammu and Kashmir. He is one of prominent figures of Valley who supports "Right to Self Determination" for people Jammu and Kashmir .He favoured the conditional/temporary accession of Kashmir to Pakistan. In his early Life, he had formed a party by the name Tehreek-e-Hurriyat, but later on, he dissolved his party and became a member of Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu and Kashmir. However, due to a sequence of events, he has also reformed his own party for the struggle of breaking away from India and securing the right to self-determination for the people of Kashmir, Tehreek-e-Hurriyat, which is a component of All Parties Hurriyat Conference, of which he is the Chairman.
ReplyDeleteSyed Geelani was born in a town called Zoorimunz, Bandipora,in North Kashmir. After his preliminary education in Sopore, he went on to graduate from the Oriental College in Lahore.
ReplyDeleteHe has two sons named Naseem and Nayeem, and five daughters. He traditionally enjoyed a good amount of support in Kashmir, but off late, the numbers have risen considerably and he is reportedly, the most popular leader of Kashmir [citation needed]. Today he is Chairman of Separatist Group, Tehreek e Huriyat and a member of Jammat e Islami. He was among the members of jamaat who advocated non-violent means to achieve its ends.
Syed Geelani has been an aficionado of Jihad, Muslim history and Islamic poetry for most of his life. He has been influenced from the writings of Nasim Hijazi, Allama Iqbal and Maulana Maududi.[2] He has authored more than thirty books and booklets about various topics in Urdu, which include the current separatist movement, his experience in jail, and his political beliefs. His books Roodad-e-Qafas, and 'Kralagund se Jhodpur tak', describe his views on what he went through in prison.[3] The books also provide the analysis of others who were imprisoned along with him. Another book that he has written is Maqtal sey Vaapsi (A Return from the Execution Grounds).[3] In this tome Geelani mentions that he is constantly being put in jail for his pro Pakistan views, and for refusing an offer from the Indian intelligence to "play a double role" for them.[3] It also mentions the reasons why the current terrorism began, describes in detail the violations of human rights being committed by India, and explains his reasons on why Kashmir should merge with Pakistan. In his book, Safar-e-Mehmood Main Zikar-e-Mazloom, Geelani states that Islam is the inspiration in their struggle against "oppressive Indian troops". In 2007, during Geelani’s treatment in Delhi, he authored a book “ROHE DEEN KA SHANASA... IQBAL[4]. He authored its second volume in 2008. "Geelani’s Safar-e-Mehmood Main Zikar-e-Mazloom released". Kashmir Watch. http://www.kashmirwatch.com/showarticles.php?subaction=showfull&id=1182906866&archive=&start_from=&ucat=3&var0news=value0news. . Syed Ali Geelani is often at his table writing Islamic literature.
ReplyDeleteGeelani does not think that the current peace process between India, and Pakistan has helped resolve the conflict.[5] He has blamed this on India, citing that they have not accepted Kashmir as a disputed territory, and have declared it an "integral" part of India.[6][7] Additionally, Geelani has stated that there cannot be a peaceful solution until alleged human rights violations such as custodial killings, rapes and arrests by Indian Armed Forces are stopped.[6] He has also said while Pakistan has shown flexibility in its position, India continues to be rigid in its stance. Geelani believes that India is "cheating Pakistan", and that it has no intention to solve the dispute.[5] He has also accused the Indian government of changing the demographics of Kashmir, by giving non-locals state subject certificates - required in order to buy land in Kashmir under Article 370 of India's constitution - in order to make the Kashmiri people a minority in their own land.[8]
ReplyDeleteAlthough most of Geelani's criticism is directed at India, he has also criticized the Pakistani governments for their dealings with India. When asked about Pakistan's policy regarding Kashmir he stated "your strategy is to shake hands with the people who play with our lives, rape our daughters, arrest our people, kill them and discard their bodies in police stations".[5] He has also criticized the Pakistani media for not reporting violations of human rights in the state of Jammu & Kashmir due to fear of undermining the peace process.
Geelani has blamed Pakistan's recent handling of the conflict largely on ex-President Pervez Musharraf. He has said that Musharraf is succumbing to pressure from India and the U.S., and that he is "fearful of India's military and economic power and has no faith in himself or his people".[9] Geelani also states that Musharraf does not have support from the people of Pakistan regarding his position on Kashmir. He has told Musharraf to "leave us alone", if he cannot support the Kashmiris the way Pakistan has been doing since 1947.[10] He has gone as far as to call the present regime headed by Musharraf an enemy of the Kashmiris, while maintaining that the Pakistani people remain their allies.[11]
To solve the conflict Geelani has said that India must withdraw its military, end human rights violations, and hold a plebiscite with the people of Kashmir deciding to join with either India or Pakistan.[12] Any other solution such as self-rule, joint control, demilitarisation, or more autonomy for Kashmir, is opposed by Geelani, who says self-determination which was promised by India and the United Nations is the only acceptable solution."India rigid, indifferent on Kashmir". News Network International. http://www.nni-news.com.pk/lastNode.php?transfer=yes&secure=yes&pointer=5258. Geelani admits that some of the population would prefer independence from both India and Pakistan, but he does not believe an independent Kashmir would be feasible, as Kashmir's neighbours including China would not accept it.[13]
Syed Ali Geelani has not changed his stand & statements since his involvement in politics[citation needed]. He has categorically opposed talks with India, until India does not accept Jammu and Kashmir as disputed state.
Geelani has said "Nobody supports terrorism. But this does not mean that a justified right should be curbed in the name of countering terrorism. Hindustan's political leaders themselves used force against the British empire. Bhagat Singh sacrified his life on the gallows. On April 14, 2000, after my release from an Indian jail, some media personnel asked me what justification there was for infiltration. I responded, 'Why did India send its troops to East Pakistan to support the movement there?' The questioners were rendered speechless."[5] Geelani is supported today by lakhs of Kashmiri youth who consider Geelani saviour of Kashmir and seek inspiration. People from Sopore and Anantnag are main supporters of Geelani
ReplyDelete