- A seminar in Islamabad marked the second anniversary of the death of Syed Ali Gilani, a veteran leader of the Kashmiri freedom movement. Speakers hailed him as a figure of integrity and unwavering commitment, who united Kashmiris and brought international attention to their cause.
- Gilani, who died on September 1, 2021, had been under house arrest by Indian authorities for over a decade. His prolonged detainment was cited by seminar participants as an emblematic human rights concern in the disputed Kashmir region, drawing attention to broader issues of political repression.
- The event concluded with calls for international bodies, including the United Nations, to take urgent action on the Kashmir issue. The seminar served as a poignant reminder of the unresolved tensions between India and Pakistan over the region, renewing focus on the enduring and complex struggle for Kashmiri self-determination.
A seminar held today in Pakistan’s capital paid tribute to Syed Ali Gilani, the late veteran Hurriyat leader, marking the second anniversary of his Martyrdom. Gilani passed away on September 1, 2021, at his home in Srinagar, where he had been under house arrest imposed by Indian authorities for over a decade.
The event was co-hosted by Friends of Kashmir and the Kashmir Media Service, drawing a host of speakers who praised Gilani’s contributions to the Kashmiri freedom movement.
Eulogizing Gilani, the speakers described him as a symbol of integrity, steadfast commitment, and visionary leadership in the struggle for Kashmir’s autonomy. They emphasized that Gilani was instrumental in uniting the people of Kashmir in pursuit of their collective aspirations, articulating the region’s cause with unprecedented clarity.
“The legacy of Syed Ali Gilani serves as a guiding light for future generations of Kashmiris,” said one speaker, emphasizing that his life and struggles will continue to inspire the ongoing movement for Kashmiri self-determination.
Gilani’s long-standing house arrest and subsequent passing have been focal points of international attention, highlighting the strained relations between India and Pakistan over the disputed territory of Kashmir. His death anniversary serves as a somber reminder of the unresolved issues surrounding the region and the figures who have come to symbolize its complex history.
On the second anniversary of the death of veteran Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Gilani, a seminar was held in Islamabad today to commemorate his enduring influence on the Kashmiri freedom movement. The event, co-sponsored by Friends of Kashmir and the Kashmir Media Service, drew intellectuals, politicians, and activists who gathered to pay tribute to Gilani. He died on September 1, 2021, in his residence in Srinagar, where he had been under house arrest by Indian authorities for over ten years.
Speakers at the seminar hailed Gilani as a towering figure of moral integrity, unwavering commitment, and visionary leadership. They attributed the coherent articulation of the Kashmiri cause on international platforms to Gilani’s lifetime of struggle and advocacy.
“Syed Ali Gilani was more than a leader; he was an institution in himself. His work and sacrifice have laid down a roadmap for Kashmiri self-determination,” said one of the speakers. “It’s upon us to ensure that his teachings and ideals live on.”
Another speaker emphasized the unity that Gilani was able to foster among different factions in Kashmir, stating, “In a region fraught with divisions, Gilani was a unifying force. He united Kashmiris under a single banner, channeling their aspirations for freedom into a movement that has resonated globally.”
Several participants also pointed out that Gilani’s life serves as a poignant narrative that underscores the human rights concerns in the region. His prolonged house arrest by Indian authorities was repeatedly cited as a violation of international law and an example of the restrictions faced by pro-independence leaders in Kashmir.
The seminar concluded with a call to international bodies, including the United Nations, to take immediate and substantive measures to address the issue of Kashmir, recognizing the rights and aspirations of its people for self-determination. Participants also urged for increased media coverage on the region, calling attention to what they described as a “media blackout” imposed by Indian authorities.
As the second anniversary of Gilani’s death comes to a close, his life and mission are reignited as a subject of international focus, emphasizing not just the role he played but also the unresolved and contentious issue of Kashmir itself. His passing remains a point of diplomatic tension between India and Pakistan, drawing attention to the longstanding and often volatile dispute over the region.