SRINAGAR — The mainstream political leaders including former chief ministers of Jammu and Kashmir state have expressed condolences over the demise of senior Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani.
Geelani breathed his last at around 10:30 pm on Wednesday at his residence in Hyderpora area in Srinagar.
He was buried in wee hours in local graveyard in Hyderpora area of Srinagar at around 4:45 am on Thursday.
Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Chief Mehbooba Mufti while offering condolence over the demise of Syed Ali Shah Geelani said, “We may not have agreed on most things but I respect him for his steadfastness and standing by his beliefs.”
“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,” she said.
National Conference (NC) Vice-President and Former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also extended condolences and said, “My condolences go out to the family, friends and admirers of Syed Ali Shah Geelani Sahib. May Allah grant him the Highest Mukaam in Jannat-Ul-Firdous. Thoughts and Prayers with family.”
Jammu and Kashmir People’s Conference (JKPC) Chairman Sajad Lone also took to twitter to offer condolences and said, “Heartfelt condolences to the family of Syed Ali Shah Geelani Sahib. Was an esteemed colleague of my late father. May Allah grant him Jannat.”
Meanwhile Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan while paying tribute to Syed Ali Shah Geelani said he was “deeply saddened” at the death of the “Kashmiri freedom fighter”.
Khan said that Geelani had “struggled all his life for his people and their right to self-determination. He suffered incarceration and torture by the occupying Indian state but remained resolute.”
Pakistani cricketer Shahid Afridi also paid tribute to Syed Ali Shah Geelani and tweeted, The fight for Kashmir’s freedom has taken so many of our elders who have carried the weight of this movement for decades. May we carry on their courage and legacy. May Allah grant #SyedAliGillani the highest decree in Heaven. Ameen.”