Geelani is my leader

Dawood Nabi

I believe in action not in reaction. But the reaction to Syed Ali Geelani’s recent interview prompting me up to write few lines. This is a letter that is prompted by recent “response drama” to one of the bravest and the most prominent Hurriyat leaders who did everything what was in his ambit for the aspiration of the Kashmiris.

Criticism is good but only when it is constructive. Geelani Sahab remains Kashmir’s most beloved and heroic figure despite vindictive criticism.

He is an ideology and idea which cannot be taken out. Every day I used to read and hear about Geelani Sahab, his story unfailingly sent shivers down my spine, how has he suffered, his days in Jhodpur jail, how he is defying the oppressor and its contractor’s, and how he is mobilising youth. Yet, why is it that some pseudo-intellects do not talk about this part of his life. Or are they deliberately keeping it out of pubic glare?

Unfortunately, he doesn’t have enemies only from India but from within Kashmir as well. They hate his guts, will, steadfastness and valour. Fellow leaders from the Hurriyat camp are also in the line of enemy. The root cause of this hatred and jealousy is that youth are following him, people love him and people are ready to die to listen to him. It is up to people to make and accept any person as their leader. His fight against India has inspired many. Others also have their contribution towards the cause, but without any doubt or bias Geelani’s share is bigger.

On social media especially on Facebook, opponents of Geelani Sahab claim and beat drums that Geelani contested elections, but everyone knows what was the basic purpose was for jumping into the electoral fray. Everyone should know that he contested elections for the sake of Kashmir. Not only Geelani, but many others also contested elections who now are in Hurriyat camp, why doesn’t anyone criticize them. Mirwaiz Molvi Farooq Sahab had seat arrangement with Janta Party and later he also signed an accord with Farooq Abdullah, why doesn’t anyone criticize him? Professor Abdul Ghani Bhat contested elections, JKLF chief Yasin Malik was polling agent in 1987 elections, what does it mean? What they did at that time was the demand of the geo-political situation and was the collective decision of people.

Very few acknowledge the fact, that current criticism about Geelani’s ideology and work is aimed to stop his fame, and to pull brakes on his outreach. Hasn’t he in past called gun an option? Was then any hue-cry? Why now?

Geelani is a man with dynamism, he doesn’t just rest on empty rhetoric, he moves out boldly. It was Geelani Sahab who mobilised people and gave them honour and inspiration to live and fight. From 2000 to 2008 it was Geelani who remained alert, when everyone was fast asleep.

In his recent interview he criticised people for their double standards. His criticism to people is based on facts. The enthusiasm, valour, courage and sacrifices by Geelani Sahab narrated to me by people is to be saluted and worth to be followed. He believes in unity, but we have many people in Hurriyat camp who doesn’t see India as an oppressor, how can Geelani unite with them?

I as a resident of JK, thank Geelani Sahab for planting the seeds of resistance in the hearts of people especially youth. In near future, we will see the results of his investment.

Qalandri Meri Kam Kuch Sikandari Sai Nahi

The author can be mailed at wardawoodnabi@gmail.com