Srinagar: The third anniversary of the death of Syed Ali Gilani, a prominent leader of the Hurriyat Conference and a key figure in the Kashmir resistance movement, will be observed tomorrow, September 1. Events are planned throughout Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) to honor his contributions and to continue highlighting the human rights issues in the region.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Syed Ali Gilani passed away on September 1, 2021, while under house arrest at his residence in Srinagar, where he had been confined for over a decade. His death marked a significant moment in the ongoing conflict in Kashmir, drawing attention from international human rights groups and the global Kashmiri diaspora.
The All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) has called upon residents of IIOJK to visit the Hyderpora graveyard, where Gilani is buried, to pay their respects. This call has garnered support from various pro-freedom organizations across the region. The APHC has also requested that imams and khateebs hold special prayers for Gilani and other Kashmiri martyrs in mosques tomorrow. Additionally, the APHC is encouraging the Kashmiri diaspora to organize peaceful demonstrations worldwide to bring further attention to the ongoing human rights abuses in occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
Observers of the Kashmir situation have noted that Gilani’s lasting impact on the Kashmiri freedom struggle continues to inspire those seeking peace and justice in the region. His commitment to the Kashmir cause has been widely respected among the oppressed populations of the territory. His popular slogan, “Hum Pakistani Hain, Pakistan Hamara Ha,” remains a powerful expression of his vision for Kashmir, urging future generations to persist in the struggle for a better future.
From their positions in New Delhi’s Tihar and other jails, APHC leaders have emphasized that Gilani’s dedication to the Kashmir cause will be remembered as a key part of the region’s history. They highlighted his sacrifices as forming a legacy that will motivate future generations in Kashmir.
Prominent Hurriyat leaders, Mohammad Yousuf Naqash and Haseeb Wani, offered their tributes to Gilani, noting his legacy of resistance and dedication as a source of inspiration for future Kashmiri generations. They emphasized Gilani’s stand against oppression and his advocacy for self-determination, which have earned him deep respect in Jammu and Kashmir.
Additionally, leaders of the APHC-AJK chapter in Islamabad, including Convener Ghulam Muhammad Safi, praised Gilani as a symbol of courage and resistance against oppression. They asserted that his efforts and sacrifices would continue to inspire oppressed communities globally. They also called on the international community and human rights organizations to press India to stop its state terrorism in IIOJK and to recognize the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination.