As we commemorate the death anniversary of Syed Ali Gilani, thousands of people in both the regions and beyond find themselves reminiscing about a man who was once the most potent symbol of resistance against an unlawful occupation. For the people who trusted in him, Gilani was not merely a politician or an activist, but a spirit, an individual that was devoted to the truth and did not hesitate to fight for the principle of self-determination for the Kashmiris. His passing away was a loss, but he lives on, and his voice still echoes with the people who still dream of what he dreamt for Kashmir.
The Seeds of Resistance
Hailing from a beautiful village called Zurimanz in the year 1929, Gilani’s political awareness developed early, shaped by his education in Sopore and Lahore, where he encountered a range of ideas that formed the basis of his political thought.
From the beginning Gilani was quite focused and determined about his work. In his memoir, “Rudad-e-Qafas” (Tales from Prison), he reflected on his unwavering demand for freedom, stressing the importance of self-determination for the people of Kashmir. When he joined Jamaat-e-Islami in the 1950s it was not an act of political loyalty, rather it was an assertion of joining the only party which was fighting for a cause he deemed just.
The Relentless Pursuit of Freedom
Kashmir’s right to self-determination was the fulcrum around which Gilani’s entire life revolved. To him, it was not an issue of geopolitics but of honour and equity for the people of Kashmir. He steadfastly advocated for the enforcement of the UN resolutions that had stipulated that the only rightful way to determine the will of the people of the state of Jammu and Kashmir was through a plebiscite.
In his entire political career, Gilani continued to be antagonistic towards any political leader who in his perception was willing to surrender on the issue of right to self-determination. And he would say, as he once stated, “We will take the ongoing struggle to its logical end. We will not allow any sellout. Our goal is freedom from India”. This Scent of Survival made him a figure in the All Parties Hurriyat Conference where he was often the lone voice saying no to the compromise.
The Sacrifices of a Lifetime
Gilani’s life journey showed his personal sacrifice and constant fight for what he believed was right. He spent over 15 years in various Indian prisons often in harsh conditions. In his book ‘Wullar Kinarey” – “On the Banks of Wullar,” Gilani expressively pens down his period of imprisonment, the ordeals he went through, and the fortitude that kept him going. Regardless of chronic health issues that he experienced throughout his life; he did not waver from his beliefs. Even while under house arrest, Gilani continued to address gatherings from behind the gates, reminding his followers, “No other pro-freedom leader has been (given) such treatment. They are targeting me to stop me from reaching out to my people. This shows how much venom they possess against me.” His resilience exemplified his unwavering commitment to the cause of Kashmir.
Gilani’s sacrifices went beyond his own life. His daughter Anisa’s husband, Iftekhar Gilani, was detained on sedition charges, and the family endured constant harassment and monitoring. Yet, Geelani’s resolve remained unshaken.
The Impact of His Words
Gilani stood as more than a leader; his poetry of resistance moved thousands. In an interview with the Indian business daily Economic Times in October 2003, Gilani affirmed, “We will continue to fight against the Indian occupation whether I survive or not.” This declaration became a rallying cry, demonstrating his unwavering resolve and commitment to the cause. His ability to connect with ordinary Kashmiris, expressing their suffering and aspirations, set him apart from others. It was his speeches which echoed in the valleys and towns of Kashmir, his words turned into a source of inspiration for the masses, and which gave a new strength to leadership to continue their struggle with honor and pride.
Gilani’s impact was evident when he returned to Kashmir on a Sunday summer morning in 2007: tens of thousands of Kashmiris thronged the airport to receive him, and a large crowd chanting pro-Pakistan slogans attended a rally to welcome him back. Supporters chanted, “Long live Gilani” and “Gilani lead us, we will follow you,” as he emerged from Srinagar’s high-security airport. This enthusiastic response showed the extent of amity he enjoyed with the people and the confidence they vested in him. His words and actions awakened the spirit amongst a generation to stay confident, thus becoming a map for such people who saw in Geelani a leader who understood their fears, their anger, their dreams.
A Legacy That Endures
Syed Ali Gilani’s death on September 1, 2021, created a huge gap, yet his impact lives on. His life showed the strength of belief and the human spirit when facing big challenges. The people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) will forever cherish Syed Ali Gilani’s unwavering commitment, dedication, and lifelong contributions to the struggle for Kashmiris’ right to self-determination”, his long-time friend, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, said in tribute.
Gilani’s tale goes beyond just fighting back; it shows how tough people can be. As Kashmir still tries to figure out what’s next, his words and ideas keep giving hope. To his followers, he spoke up when staying quiet seemed safer. He led without giving in, living with purpose and principles. Today, as we mark his anniversary, those who admired him think about the man, the cause he led, the hopes he had, and the faith he kept strong.
To Syed Ali Gilani, the fight for Kashmir wasn’t just about politics—it had an impact on faith, identity, and the basic right to choose one’s future. Gilani often reminded his followers, “Our fight with India is not because it is a Hindu majority country. It is the battle of principles. We are fighting for our rights, and the promises that were made to us must be kept.” He insisted, “peace cannot be achieved at gunpoint, but has to be established through justice.”
His words still ring out, his spirit keeps motivating people, and his memory stands as a guiding light for those who want freedom and respect.
(The writer is a research intern at LFK Islamabad, focusing on geopolitical and international affairs.)
