Indian forces in occupied Kashmir are denying a public funeral of the late Kashmiri leader Syed Ali Geelani. Last night, the iconic Kashmiri resistance leader Syed Ali Geelani passed away in his home. He died at the age of 92 after battling a prolonged illness.
Indian authorities imposed a security clampdown in the Kashmir Valley after his death, residents told AFP.
Troops put up barbed wire rolls and barricades on roads leading to Geelani’s house in the main city of Srinagar after the family announced the death. Indian Army also imposed a curfew.
Read more: Kashmir ‘black day’ anniversary: India imposes curfew
After the death of Syed Ali Geelani, Indian forces pressurized his family to bury him within 30 minutes. They also threatened that they would bury him in an unmarked grave if the family does not cooperate. Moreover, they denied a public funeral which as per media reports, will take place today at 12 pm.
However, a police source told AFP that Geelani was buried at 4:30 am Thursday at a cemetery near his home in the main city of occupied Srinagar. Only a small number of his relatives were present, including two of his sons.
Authorities also rejected Syed Ali Geelani’s request of being buried at the Martyrs Cemetery in Srinagar.
Indian police is trying to snatch body from Gillani Sb family to deny a public funeral.Brave Kashmiris are defying curfew 2 attend funeral.Indian regime would be responsible 4 any untoward incident. People must defy curfew & prove their love 4 voice of voiceless.#SyedAliGillani
— Shehryar Afridi (@ShehryarAfridi1) September 1, 2021
The Indian forces’ denial of a public funeral to honor Syed Ali Geelani sparked massive outrage among Kashmiris. They also denied the “forceful burial” of Geelani, calling it an infringement of human rights.
Due to Syed Ali Geelani’s unparalleled contributions to the Kashmir cause, the people of Kashmir wish to take part in public mourning. However, Indian forces are making that difficult due to the curfew.
The Indian Military Officer clearly told the media that nobody is allowed to visit SyedAliGillani’s home or attend his funeral.
International Media MUST HIGHLIGHT the facist Indian regime of narendramodi that doesn’t allow funerals/mourning
#SyedAliGillani— Mushaal Hussein Mullick (@MushaalMullick) September 1, 2021
Syed Ali Geelani’s life dedicated to Kashmir
Syed Ali Geelani spent his entire life fighting for the rights of Kashmiris. As a leader of the Tehreek-e-Hurriyat, he actively campaigned for Kashmir’s merger with Pakistan.
Authorities jailed the veteran politician for nearly 10 years after 1962 and also often restricted him to his home after that.
He rejected any idea of direct talks with the New Delhi government unless it formally “accepts Kashmir as a disputed territory” and stopped describing the region as an “integral part of India”.
Read more: Looking at the sad realities of Kashmir dispute
Pakistan pays condolences to Syed Ali Geelani
Prime Minister Imran Khan in a statement said, expressed his sadness at the passing of Kashmiri freedom fighter Syed Ali Gilani who struggled all his life for his people and their right to self-determination.
President Dr. Arif Alvi also expressed his deep grief and sorrow over the sad demise of the veteran leader Syed Ali Shah Gilani.
Pakistan’s flag will fly at half-mast and the country will observe a day of official mourning.