Jammu & Kashmir

Geelani parts ways with Hurriyat Conference, gives reasons in detailed letter

Srinagar: Senior Hurriyat leader, Syed Ali Shah Geelani has announced that he has parted ways from the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC).

“Considering the present condition of All Parties Hurriyat Conference, I completely distance myself from the forum,” Geelani is heard saying in a voice note released today.

Talking to Free Press Kashmir, Hurriyat (G) sources said, “Geelani Sahab has only parted ways with APHC but he would continue his political journey as part of Tehreek e Hurriyat lead by Mohammad Ashraf Sehrai.”

As per sources in the Hurriyat, Geelani since August 5 wanted the organisation “to make efforts on the ground sensing the demographic change catastrophe but no one took a stand.”

In a detailed letter Geelani explained why he is distancing from the APHC.

The letter addressing the members of the APHC says that “one is answerable to the Lord for their actions and deeds. The resistance of Kashmir is based on truth and justice and it shouldn’t be forgotten that the guarantee of success in both the worlds is only possible if we are honest to the cause we represent.”

The letter says the ‘Azad Kashmir’ branch of APHC forum has misrepresented Geelani’s messages, and not followed ethics.

The letter further says that “Azaad Kashmir branch of APHC is that of a representative forum, and holds no position of taking any decision by itself. Lots of complaints are being received against this forum, specifically in last two years.”

Of those complaints, the letter points out, in the post-August 5 scenario when India abrogated the Article- 370, 35-A and ‘whole valley was turned into a jail’, most of Hurriyat carders (in Jammu and Kashmir) were behind bars “those members of APHC who were outside jail did not take any stand or make efforts that they owe to the Kashmiri nation.”

The letter further goes on to remind the members of the APHC of the years long house detention of Geelani and his deteriorating health, and questions them for “being fearful of losing their comfort and positions for taking a stand”.

The letter concludes with Geelani admitting that because of his age, health condition and continuous house detention, he has ‘not been able to do justice to the position he holds yet he leaves the members of APHC answerable for themselves’.

 

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