Death Anniversary Syed Ali Gillani – A Great Kashmiri Leader

Syed Ali Gillani (29 September 1929 – 1 September 2021) was a Kashmiri pro-Pakistani leader. He was regarded as the father of the Kashmiri indigenous freedom movement. His ideology is explained in his famous saying, “Hum Pakistani Hai Pakistan Hamara Hai”. Syed Ali Gillani, spent more than twelve years of his life in jail. He played an active role in formulation of Muslim United Front (MUF) in 1987 ahead of provincial elections, all Muslim parties came under a single platform. 1987 election in IIOJK was watershed moment, which marked the beginning of an indigenous armed resistance against “Indian unlawful occupation of IIOJK”. In 1992, foundation of APHC was laid, a platform of at least 30 pro-freedom parties to take forward Kashmir’s fight for right to self-determination. In August 2004, Gillani along with Muhammad Ashraf Sehrai, launched Tehreek-e-Hurriyat (Movement of Freedom). Gillani emerged a prominent face when Kashmiris held mass civil uprisings post 2008.

In 2009 he launched “demilitarization movement” Gillani was at the forefront. After abrogation of Articles 370 & 35 A, Gillani remained consistent with the struggle of special status. Syed Ali Gillani remained house arrested after 5 Aug 2019 till his death. Gov. fearful of his stature denied proper burial of great Kashmiri leader and was internationally condemned.