Kashmir mourns the demise of the tallest figure in Kashmir resistance, Syed Ali Shah Geelani, as India plans for quick burial at a local graveyard in Hyderpora, Srinagar.
Geelani passed away on Wednesday night at the age of 92. He has been in a critical situation for months.
According to The Caravan, Geelani will be buried under the supervision of armed forces. A grave is presently being dug and journalists are asked to leave the burial site, The Caravan reported on Thursday early morning.
Internet services suspended in the Kashmir valley, ANI reported
“Restrictions imposed including suspension of internet services in Kashmir valley following the passing away of senior pro-freedom leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani,” police told ANI.
Troops put up barbed wire rolls and barricades on roads leading to Geelani’s house after the family announced the death late on Wednesday.
Videos show that the announcements were made from loudspeakers of the main mosque near Geelani’s residence asking people to march towards the house. But scores of armored vehicles and trucks patrolled main roads in the area.
Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan declared the Pakistan flag will fly at ‘half-mast’ to pay respect to the Kashmiri leader. Khan said the country will observe a day of official mourning.
Geelani was previously a member of Jamaat-e-Islami Kashmir but later on founded Tehreek-e-Hurriyat. He has served as the chairman of All Parties Hurriyat Conference.
He was an MLA from the Sopore constituency of Jammu and Kashmir in 1972, 1977 and in 1987.
Geelani stood for the right of self-determination but advocated the position of union with Pakistan. He was first imprisoned in 1962 and has spent several spells in the following years.
There are reports of multiple detentions in parts of Kashmir, following the news of the passing of Geelani. many Kashmiris have expressed their grief through social media.
