ISLAMABAD ( WNAM REPORT ): On the martyrdom anniversary of the legendary Kashmiri leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani, senior Hurriyat leader and Chairman of Jammu Kashmir Salvation Movement (JKSM), Altaf Ahmed Bhat, paid rich tribute to his lifelong struggle and unwavering stand for the freedom of Jammu and Kashmir.
Bhat said that Geelani Sahib’s entire life was devoted to the cause of Kashmir’s liberation and its destined annexation with Pakistan, which he viewed as the completion of the unfinished agenda of Partition. He recalled Geelani’s defining words, “Hum Pakistani hain aur Pakistan hamara hai,” noting that the slogan continues to inspire and strengthen the spirit of resistance among the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Chairman Bhat further added that Syed Ali Shah Geelani was more than a political figure, he was the embodiment of Kashmiri resistance. For decades, he endured imprisonment, house arrests, and relentless persecution, yet never once wavered from his principle of standing with Pakistan and demanding the right of self-determination for his people. His speeches, writings, and sacrifices ignited a consciousness that still fuels the Kashmiri movement today. Even in the face of severe restrictions during his last years, Geelani remained a symbol of courage, integrity, and an uncompromising voice for freedom.
Highlighting the present political moment, Altaf Ahmed Bhat stressed that after Pakistan’s recent victory in war, the Government of Pakistan must accelerate its diplomatic efforts and seize the opportunity once provided by US President Donald Trump for mediation on the Kashmir dispute. He said the inclusion of key Kashmiri leadership in such talks is vital, as no solution is possible without the genuine representatives of the people.
Bhat strongly condemned the continued imprisonment of senior Hurriyat leaders including Yasin Malik, Shabbir Ahmed Shah, Dr Abdul Hameed Fayyaz, Masarat Alam Bhat, Asiya Andrabi, Zaffar Akbar Bhat and others. He said these towering leaders of the Kashmiri freedom struggle are being subjected to deliberate slow persecution through detention and denial of medical care, which has pushed many of them into serious health crises. He particularly noted that the Indian government’s intent to convert Yasin Malik’s life imprisonment into a death sentence inside jail is nothing short of a political assassination. Such actions, he warned, amount to a grave humanitarian tragedy, and must be condemned by the international community. Bhat demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners, stressing that their freedom is essential for any meaningful and credible peace process.
Reaffirming Geelani’s vision, Altaf Ahmed Bhat urged the United Nations to intervene and fulfill its long-standing commitment of granting Kashmiris their right to self-determination. He said the most fitting tribute to Syed Ali Shah Geelani is not only to remember his sacrifices but to carry forward his mission with renewed determination until justice prevails and the people of Jammu and Kashmir are free to decide their destiny.
