Syed Ali Shah Geelani (SAS Geelani) recently announced his resignation from the Hurriyat Conference. Geelani has been vehemently pitching for complete independence of Jammu and Kashmir or a merger with Pakistan and refusing to negotiate with New Delhi.
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In an audio message, Syed Ali Shah Geelani, said, “In view of the present situation, I resign from All Parties Hurriyat Conference. I have informed all the constituents of the Hurriyat about the decision.”
#BREAKING Hardline Separatist #SyedAliShahGeelani quits Hurriyat Conferrnce. Major setback to #Pakistan and #ISI. Geelani issues an audio statement after detailed two page letter, announcing the end of his association with hardline separatist group in #Kashmir. #JammuAndKashmir pic.twitter.com/izFPmxhntK
— ज़ाहिद अब्बास ZAHID ABBAS ?? (@abbaszahid24) June 29, 2020
According to reports in HindustanTimes, Syed Ali Shah Geelani – the former Hurriyat boss and seen by many as an icon of resistance in Kashmir had been upset about his weakening grip over his grouping’s faction in Pakistan-administered Kashmir (PaK).
90+-year-old Geelani, the most prominent pro-Pakistan leader in Jammu and Kashmir had been chairman of Hurriyat Conference since its inception in 2003. He has been politically inactive especially since the abrogation of Article 370 by Modi-Government.
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HT report claims that Pakistani intelligence agency – ISI had been promoting lesser-known leaders which ignited differences with Pakistan. Geelani had nominated Abdullah Gilani to the top post who is the brother SAR Gilani – acquitted in the 2001 Parliament attack case in New Delhi.
However, Pakistan declined Geelani’s nomination and preferred Mohammad Hussain Khateeb. Mustafa Mohammad Hussain Khateeb as per Pakistan’s media was unanimously elected as the interim convener of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
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HT claims that Geelani had been deeply offended that representatives of the PaK chapter had been sending their relatives to the PaK assembly over the last two years, were indisciplined, engaged in widespread corruption and loot.
As per reports, Pakistan wanted to expel the old horse and bring in younger members to assume a leadership role so that they are more competitive in battling India. Pakistan agencies had been frustrated with Geelani for his incompetence in inciting people to hit streets after New Delhi revoked Article 370 last year.
In this letter, Geelani had stated – “The activities of these representatives were limited now to seeking access to assemblies and ministries for joining the government there. Some members were expelled while others started holding their own meetings. These activities were endorsed by you by holding a meeting here to ratify their decisions.”
“I sent messages to you through various means so that the next course of action could be decided but all my efforts went in vain. Now that the sword of accountability is hanging over your heads for the financial and other irregularities, you thought of calling the advisory committee meeting,” he alleged.
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“The lack of discipline and other deficiencies were ignored and you did not allow a robust accountability system to be established over the years but today, you have crossed all limits and indulged in rebellion against the leadership,” he added.
Kashmiri experts talking to EurAsian Times says that people are still with Geelani and he holds a massive sway in the valley. The only way to resolve the Kashmir issue is through dialogue and it would be interesting to see of Geelani lays his arms down (to Pakistan) or decides to go down in the history as the saviour of Kashmir (by initiating an earnest dialogue with India).
