SRINAGAR, Oct 16: Veteran separatist leader, Syed Ali Geelani, was today unanimously re-elected chairman of Hurriyat Conference (G) for third consecutive time for a three-year-term through a secret ballot here.
Soon after his election as the Hurriyat (G) chairman, Geelani said that people of Kashmir and its leaders should strengthen the ongoing agitation and remain steadfast in their quest for their inalienable right to self determination.
According to reports, an extraordinary session of Majlis-e Shura of Geelani-led Hurriyat faction was today held here, which was attended by representatives of all constituent parties. The three-year tenure of Geelani as chairman Hurriyat (G) was to expire today. The session unanimously re-elected Geelani as chairman of the conglomerate for next three years through a secret ballot.
The octogenarian separatist leader, who is spearheading the ongoing ‘Quit Jammu Kashmir campaign’, was first elected chairman of his faction of Hurriyat Conference in 2004. Then again in 2007, he was unanimously elected chairman of the conglomerate.
According to the reports, the members of Majlis-e Shura had today moved a resolution to elect Geelani chairman of Hurriyat (G) for lifetime.
“The entire Kashmir nation has full faith in him. We want him to hold this chair as long as he is alive,” they said.
However, Geelani rejected the proposal, saying that it was against the institution of democracy.
Speaking on the occasion, Geelani said that every constituent party of the conglomerate should ensure the safeguarding and implementation of Hurriyat constitution.
Geelani said that at a time when the entire nation was going through turbulent times, the need of the hour was to live together in the utmost love, brotherhood and unity.
He asked the Kashmiris to remain steadfast in their quest for right to self determination.
“People must endeavour to strengthen the movement,” he said.
The veteran separatist leader maintained that Hurriyat (G) had been constituted with a particular objective and added that the democratic setting of the party would allow every person to freely put forth his opinion.
He said that the conglomerate was not a forum for the sake of it, but its basic objective was to take the freedom struggle of Kashmir to its logical end.
“Hurriyat (G) was constituted for the struggle against Indian occupation,” he said.
The elections for chairman and other office bearers of Geelani’s own political organization, Tehreek-e Hurriyat, a constituent of Hurriyat Conference (G), are also in final stages.
Meanwhile, Geelani has appreciated the role of lawyers, saying that they have always stood with their Kashmiri brethren through thick and thin.
“Many lawyers were killed in the last 20 years and hundreds of them were thrown behind bars,” he said.
He said that they had fought tens and thousands of cases of innocent Kashmiris.
Geelani condemned the continuous arrest of president Kashmir Bar association and eminent lawyer, Mian Abdul Qayoom.
He said that political interference in judicial affairs had made the matters worse in Kashmir.
“Even selection of judges has become a political issue,” he said.
He alleged that government was trying to bring forth those people who weaken the role of lawyers vis-à-vis the movement.
He expressed hope that the lawyers’ community would strongly deal with the situation and defeat the government’s plans.
Meanwhile, Geelani expressed serious concern over the reports that troopers of 18-RR were not allowing women to wear burqa at Lolab.
“This is a direct attack on our honour and dignity. We will no tolerate it,” he said.
He appealed the residents of Lolab and adjoining areas to protest against the incident.
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