Sajad Hameed/ Jaskamal Bains
Kashmir’s veteran pro-freedom leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani breathed his last breath at 10:30 p.m. on Wednesday.
Since the news of Geelani’s death broke, the valley has remained in a state of shock.
The IGP Kashmir declared restrictions and internet blockade in the region immediately after the news spread.
Geelani was 91 years old. And owing to his prolonged illness, he is said to have died of breathing complications.
Also referred to as Bab by the Kashmiri masses, Geelani was laid to rest at a cemetery located near his residence at Hyderpora, Srinagar at around 3:30 a.m. on Thursday.
Only a few members of the family were reported to be the part of the funeral. The funeral took place in haste and in a tight security.
Minor stone-pelting incidents were said to have broken in parts of the region, but the police imposed curfew like restrictions.
Geelani had been under house detention for nearly 12 years, now.
Previously, a member of the Jamat-e-Islami, Geelani went on and founded the Tehreek-e-Hurriyat, which he quit in June, 2020.
Geelani was also an elected MLA from the Sopore constituency in 1972, 1977 and in 1987.
He had written several books including Rudad-i-qafas, which was his memoir of his time in prison.
