All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) has expressed deep grief and sorrow over the demise of veteran resistance leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani who passed away after a prolonged house arrest.
The APHC on behalf of its incarcerated Chairman Mirwaiz Moulvi Muhammad Umar Farooq in a statement paid glowing tributes to Syed Ali Shah Geelani for his immense contribution and sacrifices on political and resistance fronts saying the demise of Geelani has not only created a big void in the political corridors of Jammu and Kashmir but also marked the completion of an era.
The communique said that with the inception of All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) in 1992 under the leadership of young Mirwaiz Umar Farooq to represent the emotions and sentiments of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, Geelani extended every possible and sincere support to the young Mirwaiz to take forward the mission and programmes of the Hurriyat.
The APHC paid homage to the veteran resistance leader for his consistency, steadfastness and courage and enduring time and again imprisonments and tortures in interrogation centres, saying the continuous house imprisonment of Geelani despite his old age and various ailments became reasons for his ill health which ultimately led to his demise.
The Hurriyat Conference on behalf of its Chairman Mirwaiz and the entire leadership has expressed heartfelt condolence and solidarity with the bereaved family of Geelani especially his sons Naseem Geelani and Naeem Geelani; and prayed for Jannat-ul-Firdous to the departed soul.
The APHC termed it unfortunate that its Chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who has spent a long time with Syed Ali Geelani in his political journey, could not participate in the Namaaz-e-Janaazah (funeral prayers) of the deceased leader as he continues to be under house arrest for more than two years now.
It also said that the people were not allowed to participate in the funeral prayers of Syed Ali Geelani as strict restrictions and curbs were imposed across the Valley, which is extremely shameful and exposes the authoritarian mindset of the government.
