Syed Ali Gilani’s legacy of principle, courage and perseverance honoured
Srinagar: In Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, Tehreek-e-Muzahamat Jammu & Kashmir Chairman Bilal Ahmad Siddiqui has paid rich tribute to veteran Kashmiri leader Syed Ali Gilani Shaheed on the fifth anniversary of his death, describing his life as an enduring example of political conviction and perseverance.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Bilal Ahmad Siddiqui, who is currently in Indian detention, said in a message from jail that although five years have passed since Syed Ali Gilani’s demise, his voice, determination and political legacy continue to live on among the people of Kashmir. He said Gilani spent much of his political life facing restrictions, detention and immense difficulties, yet these circumstances never weakened his commitment to principles.
“I am myself in detention today, and therefore I understand even more deeply the significance of Syed Ali Gilani’s life and perseverance. Detention may restrict a person physically, but it cannot erase a peaceful political idea, a political conviction, or the legitimate political aspirations of a people,” Bilal Ahmad Siddiqui stated.
For Tehreek-e-Muzahamat Jammu & Kashmir, he said, the most important aspect of Syed Ali Gilani’s legacy is his commitment to principles, political perseverance and his determination to uphold his position through peaceful political means.
Bilal Ahmad Siddiqui urged the younger generation of Kashmir to make knowledge, historical awareness, political understanding and peaceful civic engagement their strength. He said a lasting resolution of the Kashmir issue requires political dialogue, respect for human rights and serious consideration of the political aspirations of the people of Jammu & Kashmir. He said the fifth death anniversary of Syed Ali Gilani should remind the people of Kashmir that nations do not forget those who devoted their lives to principles and public causes.
The Tehreek-e-Muzahamat Chairman also appealed to the international community not to view Jammu & Kashmir merely as a regional dispute, but to pay serious attention to questions concerning human rights, political freedoms and the fundamental political rights of its people. He appealed to the people of Kashmir to visit the grave of Syed Ali Gilani Shaheed, offer prayers for him and remember his life and political struggle with dignity and respect. He also urged religious scholars and Imams to offer special prayers in mosques for Syed Ali Gilani and all those who have passed away during the long history of the Kashmir conflict.
Concluding his message, Bilal Ahmad Siddiqui said: “Gilani Sahib is no longer physically among us, but the lessons of his life remain; the example of his perseverance remains; and his political legacy remains for generations to come. Our responsibility is to remember our history, respect differences of opinion, and pursue our political rights through peaceful and dignified means.” The tributes come amid continued Indian restrictions on political activity and widespread detentions of Kashmiri leaders in IIOJK.
