Syed Ali Shah Geelani: Life of controversial anti-India leader of Jammu & Kashmir - in pics
Syed Ali Shah Geelani died at the age of 91 on September 1. He was buried in a graveyard near his home with only a few hundred people, including his family and neighbours, allowed to attend the funeral, a government official said
The death of Syed Ali Shah Geelani has left a void in the separatist camp that might not be easy to bridge in near future, feel experts. Geelani has been suffering for some time. Having a pacemaker and one kidney removed, Geelani's health deteriorated over the past 18 months and was suffering from dementia. Here's a look at the controversial figure.
(Pic: Reuters; With PTI inputs)
An avowed supporter of Pakistan
Died after prolonged illness
The hardline separatist died at the age of 91 at his residence in Srinagar on Wednesaday (September 1) night after a prolonged illness. He was buried in a mosque near his house located at Hyderpora, in outskirts of the city, with some close family members attending the funeral.
The picture shows a deserted view of Lal Chowk following restrictions after the death of Geelani in Srinagar.
Never believed in moderate separatism
Anti-India protests: Was kept under house arrest for more than a decade
Geelani for years led an umbrella alliance of secessionists known as the Hurriyat Conference. But the group split in 2003, when hardliners led by Geelani, who advocated Kashmir's merger with Pakistan, walked out after moderates decided to hold talks with New Delhi. He was kept under house arrest for more than a decade after leading several anti-India protests.
(Pic: ANI)
Face-off with former Pakistan president Pervez Musharraf
The hardliner was often seen angry with Pakistan when it talked about building a healthy relationship with India and he had a face-off with former Pakistan president Pervez Musharraf in New Delhi in 2005 over his four-point plan to resolve Kashmir dispute, which included having soft borders between two parts of the Kashmir.