Syed Ali Gillani: Defiance That Shaped Kashmir’s Freedom Struggle

Syed Ali Gilani remains the most powerful symbol of Kashmiri resistance against Indian rule. Born in Sopore in 1929 and educated partly in Lahore, he believed from an early age that Kashmir was tied to Pakistan through history, culture, and faith. He declared that the survival of Kashmiris was linked with Pakistan, and their hearts beat with it. Gilani spent his entire life in struggle and sacrifice. His martyrdom in police custody on September 1, 2021, at his Hyderpora residence, turned him into the eternal face of the Kashmiri freedom movement.

A Central Figure of Freedom Struggle

Gilani was not just part of the freedom struggle; he was its central figure. His words and actions gave direction and strength to the people of Kashmir. At a time when India tried to crush voices through jails, raids, and curfews, he gave new spirit to the resistance. He breathed passion into the struggle and became a guiding light for a generation that refused to surrender.

Defiance for Self-Determination

His lifelong fight was for the right of self-determination promised to the people of Kashmir. He rejected Indian claims and held firmly that only the will of Kashmiris could decide their future. Even after years of arrest, torture, and denial of rights, his stance never changed. This made him the most respected leader of the resistance.

Voice of Pakistan in Kashmir

Gilani saw Kashmir’s natural link with Pakistan as undeniable. He said repeatedly that Kashmir’s culture, language, faith, and way of life tied it with Pakistan. His famous slogan, “Hum Pakistani Hain, Pakistan Hamara Hai”, became the heartbeat of the freedom struggle. It echoed in every protest, mosque, and street, giving courage to the people.

Years in Indian Prisons

Gilani spent more than ten years in Indian prisons. He was kept in solitary cells, denied medical care, and treated with cruelty. Yet, his will never broke. Each arrest increased his respect among the people. His time in jails became a symbol of how India punished voices of truth, while also showing how one man could stand unshaken in the face of oppression.

Struggle from Hyderpora

In his final years, Gilani lived under strict house arrest in his Hyderpora home. His health declined, but his spirit remained alive. Indian rulers feared his voice so much that even in old age they kept him confined. His death in custody proved that they saw his influence as a greater threat than any weapon.

Martyrdom that Shook Kashmir

The way Indian forces handled his death showed the harsh reality of occupation. Surrounded by heavy troops, denied funeral rites, and buried by force, it was meant to silence his memory. Instead, it made him a martyr in the eyes of his people. His death sparked grief, anger, and renewed defiance across the valley.

A Leader Who Was a Mission

Gilani was more than a political figure; he was a mission himself. His role in Jamaat-e-Islami and later in Hurriyat Conference was built on one principle: freedom of Kashmir and unity with Pakistan. His mission did not end with his life. It continues through the slogans and actions of those who still raise his banner.

Symbol of Natural Bond with Pakistan

Gilani reminded again and again that Kashmir’s survival was with Pakistan. He stressed that from culture to traditions, from trade to religion, everything tied Kashmiris with Pakistan. He became the most open and fearless advocate of this truth, arguing that without Pakistan, Kashmir would lose its identity and future.

Sacrifices that Inspired Millions

Gilani’s sacrifices gave strength to millions. He spent years away from his family, lived under restrictions, and faced constant pain. Yet, he never lost his passion for freedom. His story became the story of every Kashmiri home that suffered arrests, raids, and disappearances. His courage showed that the fight for freedom was greater than personal loss.

A Torchbearer for the Oppressed

For the people of Kashmir, Gilani was a guiding light. His simple lifestyle and modest home gave him unmatched respect. Unlike those who compromised for posts or wealth, he stood firm till the end. His honesty and clarity made him a symbol of pure leadership. He showed that true leaders live for their people, not for power.

Silence Abroad, Defiance at Home

Gilani often appealed to the world to notice the suffering of Kashmiris. But global powers largely remained silent. Even so, his defiance inspired hope in the valley. His words gave Kashmiris the belief that their struggle could not be erased, even if the world chose to ignore them.

Eternal Symbol of Resistance

Even after his passing, Gilani remains alive in the memory of his people. His pictures are carried in rallies, his words are painted on walls, and his slogans echo in protests. For the new generation, he is the eternal symbol of resistance who cannot be silenced by force.

Conclusion: Mission of Freedom Lives On

Syed Ali Gilani’s life was marked by struggle, sacrifice, and belief in truth. He gave Kashmiris new spirit and new energy to fight for freedom. For him, Pakistan was the natural home of Kashmir, and freedom was a duty, not a dream. His martyrdom proved that leaders may die, but missions live on. Gilani will remain the torchbearer of Kashmiri resistance and the guiding light for a people who will not stop until freedom is achieved.