Kashmir separatist leader Geelani dies at 91; curbs in Srinagar

dpa Srinagar, Kashmir The internet was blocked across India-administered Kashmir on Thursday and curfew-like restrictions were imposed on Srinagar after ...

dpa Srinagar, Kashmir The internet was blocked across India-administered Kashmir on Thursday and curfew-like restrictions were imposed on Srinagar after the death of prominent separatist leader Syed Ali Geelani.Geelani, 91, was a campaigner against Indian rule and leader of the Hurriyat Conference, a forum of separatist groups.He died at his home in Srinagar after a prolonged illness, his son Naseem Geelani said.Geelani was interred at a burial ground near his home early in the morning under police supervision, with only his close family members and neighbours present.The administration immediately clamped down to prevent any gatherings, with a security cordon around the burial ground and suspension of internet and mobile phone connectivity except for state-run service provider BSNL.Security forces sealed off roads leading to Geelani’s Hyderpora residence with barriers and barbed wire, and additional troops were deployed in the old quarters of Srinagar and northern Kashmir.India-administered Kashmir has seen a secessionist movement since the mid-1980s, with nearly 45,000 people killed in the violence which it claims is supported by Pakistan. Islamabad denies the charge.The nuclear-capable neighbours have fought three wars, two of them over Kashmir, which is currently divided in two parts, one administered by India and the other by Pakistan.There is strong anti-India sentiment in India-administered Kashmir with several groups calling for a separate state.Geelani led one such group but he was also seen to be close to Pakistan.“Deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Kashmiri freedom fighter Syed Ali Geelani who struggled all his life for his people & their right to self determination,” Pakistan President Imran Khan said in a tweet.Khan said the Pakistan flag would fly at half mast and the country would observe an official day of mourning.