Kashmir Separatist Veteran Politician, Syed Ali Shah Geelani Died

Syed Ali Shah Geelani was the senior separatist leader who had been ill for years and had been under house arrest for 12 years after leading many protests against India.


The separatist veteran politician of Kashmir, Syed Ali Shah Geelani died in Srinagar on Wednesday evening. "In Srinagar and other major cities, troops are stationed in sensitive locations and moving vehicles are not allowed," said police officer.

In Kashmir, Syed Ali Shah Geelani was the senior separatist leader and his family stated that Geelani had been ill for years and had been under house arrest for 12 years after leading many protests against India.

A family member of Syed Ali stated to Reuters that he suffered chest pain and a blocked chest on Wednesday afternoon and died late that night at his home in the region's capital, Srinagar. K. Vijay Kumar, retired police officer stated to Reuters that the internet had been shut down as a precaution and that restrictions had been imposed in the Kashmir Valley. The streets leading to Geelani's Srinagar residence have been cordoned off, another official said.

Last year, Geelani resigned his hardline faction in the Hurriyat Conference because they could not stand up to New Delhi's efforts to strengthen Kashmir. The Hurriyat Conference was founded in 1993 by various separatist groups in Kashmir.

The Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan paid condolences over Geelani's death on Twitter, saying the nation will have a day of mourning.

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