Jamaat nods, Geelani to launch his political party

Putting all speculations to rest, senior separatist hawk Syed Ali Shah Geelani today decided to launch his own party on August 7, following ...

Putting all speculations to rest, senior separatist hawk Syed Ali Shah Geelani today decided to launch his own party on August 7, following the nod given by the Jamaat-e-Islami — his parent organisation.

All hurdles to the formation of the new party were removed today when the Jamaat’s top decision-making body — the Majlis-e-Shoora — gave in to Geelani’s demands to launch his own party. Geelani had been working hard for the last one year to launch his own organisation but the Jamaat had not agreed to the proposal as it was deemed as ‘‘working at cross-purposes with the Jamaat edifice’’.

However, failing to ward off the pressure mounted by him, the Jamaat today conceded to his demand. The Shoora decision is aimed at avoiding a split in the 60-year old organisation.

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When asked, Geelani told The Indian Express that his party would adhere to three basic principles — Khuda Parasti (God fearing), Insan Dosti (humanitarian) and Akhrat Pasandi (love for hereafter).

Jamaat chairman Syed Nazir Ahmad Kashani, confirmed that the Jamaat has permitted Geelani to form his own party. ‘‘The party should be non-violent and will get Jamaat’s support,’’ he said.

However, Kashani said, ‘‘Now, Geelani sahib would not head Jamaat’s political bureau though he would continue as its basic members.’’

Bashaarat Masood

Bashaarat Masood is a Special Correspondent with The Indian Express. He has been covering Jammu and Kashmir, especially the conflict-ridden Kashmir valley, for two decades. Bashaarat joined The Indian Express after completing his Masters in Mass Communication and Journalism from the University in Kashmir. He has been writing on politics, conflict and development. Bashaarat was awarded with the Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Awards in 2012 for his stories on the Pathribal fake encounter. ... Read More

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