THE name of Syed Ali Shah Gillani is an embodiment of honesty, unwavering resoluteness, struggle, and vision in the history of the Kashmir freedom movement. He, throughout his life, stood as an epitome of Kashmiri’s struggle and resistance, whose passion, ideology and vision about Kashmir remained matchless. He not only presented the cause of Kashmir with great sincerity and clarity but also united Kashmiris for the cause of freedom of Kashmir from Indian illegal occupation and the right to Kashmiris’ self-determination, for which he paid extremely high price. The entire Pakistan pays tribute to Gillani’s persistence, resolute courage and resistance in the face of Indian atrocities and its illegal occupation of Jammu & Kashmir. He dedicated and sacrificed his life for the Kashmiris’ right to self-determination and a free plebiscite, without which the Kashmir dispute cannot be solved.
From the very beginning of his struggle, Syed Ali Shah Gillani consistently chanted the slogan, “We are Pakistanis and Pakistan is ours” a phrase that will forever resonate in the hearts of Kashmiris and those fighting for their cause. He always emphasized that the freedom of Kashmir from Indian illegal occupation is an unsettled agenda of Pakistan’s independence and the pursuance of which demands a clear vision of narratives and ideology on part of Pakistan. This unity and clear vision have become a compelling need owing to increased Indian brutalities and war crimes in IIOJK. In this context, Syed Ali Gillani firmly asserted that Pakistan must defend the stance of Kashmiris and freedom fighters, who are being internationally accused of inciting violence and using force. According to the United Nations Charter, the use of force is permitted for the right to self-determination without being labelled as terrorism and violence.
It is the obligation of Pakistan and its people to intensify the struggle for Kashmir at the international level with a consistent and targeted approach and to carry forward the mission of Syed Ali Gillani to a logical conclusion, for which Kashmiris have been fighting for so long. Kashmiris have expressed their disappointment over the indecisive and non-serious role of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, after August 2019 revocation of Article 370 and 35-A, while a stronger opposition was emerged from within India by various political parties and leaders. However, at the same time, several opportunities often come on the international arena, where Pakistan should proactively defend the cause of Kashmir. War between India and Pakistan has always been a genuine threat due to lingering Kashmir issue. As for its resolution, the ideal solution is to settle the matter according to the UN resolutions. Gillani always spoke with absolute clarity, avoiding any hedging or fudging. His political struggle was consistently focused on the right of self-determination for the Kashmiris. Gillani endured over 11 long years under house arrest and made it clear that, while he considered his national identity to be Pakistani, he was resolutely opposed to the idea of an independent Kashmir. He was adamant that the destiny of Kashmir and its people lay with Pakistan and staunchly advocated for the merger of Kashmir with Pakistan. The region has become even more volatile since the Indian Government revoked its autonomous status. Gillani’s steadfastness in the face of tribulations and adversity, along with his loyalty to both Kashmir and Pakistan, earned him a special place of honour in the hearts of Kashmiris.
The people of Pakistan are deeply associated with the iconic leader of the Kashmir Resistance Movement. Syed Ali Shah Gillani took his last breath under prolonged house arrest in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). The Pakistani nation pays rich tribute to his life-long struggle for justice and freedom. Syed Ali Gillani’s unflinching commitment to the Kashmir cause, in the face of persistent persecution and tremendous personal hardship, is unparalleled. He inspired three generations of Kashmiris in resisting the illegal Indian occupation and unabated tyranny. He was a true voice and hero of the Kashmiris’ struggle for self-determination, who never lost his ideological moorings for a single moment. Upright and steadfast, he never compromised on the just cause that he led throughout his life from the core of his heart. He will be remembered for his unconditional love for Kashmir and Pakistan. His life is an inspiration for those carrying his mission forward to bring an end to illegal Indian occupation of Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan will continue to extend all possible diplomatic and moral support to the Kashmiri people till the realization of their legitimate right to self-determination as enshrined in the relevant UN Security Council resolutions. Syed Ali Shah Gillani, an iconic leader of Kashmiris’ struggle for self-determination will always be remembered in the history of Kashmir and Pakistan.
—The writer is author of several books based in Islamabad.
