Syed Ali Shah Geelani quits Hurriyat Conference citing ‘rebellion’

Prominent separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani, on Monday (June 29) quit his post as the chairman of the All Party Hurriyat Conference, citing “rebellion against the leadership” by cadres as one of the reasons.

Ninety-year-old Geelani, who was a lifelong chairman of the Hurriyat, one of the largest separatist organisation in Kashmir, has been under house arrest since 2010.

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“In view of the present situation, I resign from All Parties Hurriyat Conference. I have informed all the constituents of the Hurriyat about the decision,” PTI quoted him as saying in a statement.

He was elected as an MLA from Sopore thrice and quit politics later.

Reports said Geelani had been facing criticism for not responding to the abrogation of Article 370 and the splitting of Jammu and Kashmir into two separate Union territories.