Kashmiri Separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani dies at 92

Srinagar, Sep 1 (UNI) Former Chairman of hardline Hurriyat Conference, Syed Ali Shah Geelani passed away here on Wednesday night after prolonged illness.
The 92-year-old separatist leader is survived by two sons, four daughters and grandsons and grand daughters.
Official sources said that authorities will impose restrictions tomorrow in Srinagar as a precautionary measure.
Confirming death of Geelani, his family sources said he breathed his last at his Hyderpora house in the outskirts of Srinagar. Born in Sopore in Baramulla in north Kashmir, Geelani was educated in Sopore and completed his studies at the Oriental college of Lahore.
Considered a pro-Pakistani, he joined Jamat-e-Islami and represented the party in Legislative Assembly in 1972, 1977 and 1987 from Sopore constituency.
He was founder chairman of Tehreek-e-Hurriyat and later quit Hurriyat Conference (HC) to form his own Hurriyat Conference (Geelani). The other group is headed by Mirwaiz Moulvi Omar Farooq.
He was imprisoned several times under sedition charges and was lodged in different jails of the country.
However, immediately after Peoples Democratic Par

ty (PDP) president formed coalition government with Congress, they released Geelani after long detention.
His passport was seized in 1981 for his anti national activities. But he was allowed to perform Haj pilgrimage after a short term passport was issued in his favour in 2006.
Over a dozen times rumours were spread during the past few years about his death. However, police spokespersons were denying such rumours to prevent any law and order problem.
Geelani also authored over a dozen books on different subjects, including politics.
Former Chief Minister and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti said she was saddened after hearing the news about the death of Geelani.
Taking to micro-blogging site twitter Mehbooba 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 & standing by his beliefs. May Allah Ta’aala grant him jannat & condolences to his family & well wishers”.
UNI BAS JAL 0016