KV Correspondent

‘Caged’ Geelani ‘freed’ after 8 years

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Srinagar: Freedom at last. The ailing veteran separatist leader Syed Ali Geelani Friday decided to deal with the police announcement of freeing him from the eight year long house detention with patience and after consulting all his constituents and resistance leaders.

After eight years of house detention, Hurriyat Conference (G) chairman, Syed Ali Geelani Geelani was allowed by the authorities today to offer mandatory congregational prayers at the Hyderpora Jamia Masjid here.

The development comes a day after the state police chief, Shesh Pal Vaid had stated that the trio including Syed Ali Geleani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Muhammad Yasin Malik are free to go anywhere they like.

However, Director General of Police (DGP) had also stated that the trio should not make “anti-national” speeches or create a law and order problem.

On Friday, Geelani who continued to remain under house detention since the year 2010 decided to offer Friday prayers at the Jamia Masjid Hyderpora.

Geelani accompanied by Tehreek-e-Hurriyat (TeH) Chairman and his close aid, Muhammad Ashraf Sherai stepped out from his office cum residence at Hyderpora to offer mandatory congregational prayers at Jamia Masjid in the locality.

Earlier in eight years, Geelani made several attempts to step out from his residence to offer Friday prayers at the Masjid but he was disallowed by the posse of security men posted outside his house.

The activists of Hurriyat (G) and other pro-freedom groups including the youth were seen waiting for Geelani outside his house. They were also chanting pro freedom slogans.

Geelani stepped out of his house and drove towards the Masjid in an ambassador car.

The pro-freedom leader also addressed a gathering in the Masjid wherein he pitched for unity among masses, saying that unity is the key for success.

He said that he including his constituents, the leadership will be jointly responding to the assertions of DGP over freeing them.

He said that Jammu and Kashmir is a disputed territory and India had promised to hold a plebiscite for the people of Kashmir but the promises were not fulfilled.

“India must withdraw its forces from Jammu and Kashmir and must grant Right to self determination to the people here,” he said.

While pitching for unity among the masses, Geelani also appealed youth to follow the path of Islam and to seek the help of Almighty Allah.


KV Correspondent

Kashmir Correspondent cover all daily updates for the newspaper

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