Geelani and the politics of succession

-
Daanish Bin Nabi

Writing about Syed Ali Geelani is never easy. Whenever Geelani stoked any issue in the political spectrum of Jammu Kashmir, it spread like wildfire. From opposing Musharraf’s four-point formula (when almost everyone was on Musharaff’s boat) to opposing Sajjad Gani Lone and his lifetime enemy India, Geelani has always stood like a rock, and a beacon of hope for the people of Jammu Kashmir.
It is our tragic fate that we may have to see the end of this hope anytime now (Allah knows best).
Geelani’s recent heart stroke has again brought to the fore the old question: After Geelani, who? This question has been fervently tossed about some time, and has dominated the opinion pages of newspapers. 


Geelani’s all weather Friend

Mohammad Ashraf Sehrai, Geelani all weather friend, is seen by many as his shadow. Many say Sehrai is tipped to be the next leader of the resistance camp. He does not have unanimous support, though. Not everybody is convinced that Ashraf Sehrai should be elevated to the top post of the party. No one doubts about his integrity and honesty on the Kashmir cause.
Ashraf Sehrai's career is marked by sacrifices both at personal and professional level. Since the end of the 1950s, he has been with Geelani. He has blind faith on him, and this trust is the result of Sehrai's devotion for over half a century. Geelani and Ashraf Sehrai share a unique bonding and mutual respect. Given the leaders and the people around Geelani, Ashraf Sehrai seems to be most suited for the post.

Changing guard was to be announced at a press conference

On May 2, 2016 Hurriyat (G) called a press conference at its headquarters in Hyderpora, Srinagar. Many believe that the press conference was called for announcing the change of guard. All waited for this news as speculations of such an announcement had been rife for many weeks.
As usual, the media men who reached the venue for the press conference were not allowed by the Jammu Kashmir Police. In meantime, Masjlis-e-Shoora (executive body) meeting was going on inside. After about half an hour, we were allowed to move into the residence cum office of Syed Ali Geelani.
Once inside, the confusion was visible among the cadre and seniors member of the group. A gloomy atmosphere prevailed inside. One of the close courtiers had a distressed look. Something was wrong, but we couldn’t understand what it was.
First, we were told that Geelani won’t address the media. After a few minutes, we were told that he had agreed to talk to us. 
When Geelani stood up and started to climb the three-step stair case leading to his office, the weakness and uneasy calm with which he was walking, his illness and tension - all was quite visible on his face.
He started the press conference by saying that on March 10, he was taken to Max Hospital, New Delhi in an unconscious state. At that time, he thought his end had come.
The press conference lasted for 28 minutes. For the entire 28 minutes, it was as if a spiritual leader was addressing his people. There was nothing stated on change in guard. He only spoke of how to tackle the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) influence in Kashmir. For him, every solution lay in Islam.
After 28 minutes, he said, “Kisi ko koi sawal karna hai” (Questions please)?
The first question that came straight came out from my mouth was - What about your successor? With a gentle smile on his face, he said, “Beta jab Geelani rahmat-e-haq hoga meri party ke members ko pata hai ki kya karna hai” (Son, when I die, my party members will know what to do).
That was it about the successor of Syed Ali Geelani, stated by the legend himself.

What happened behind closed door?

Sources in the party said that the press conference had been called for the smooth transition of the top command. It is also said that even the legendary Geelani was ready to step down, and was in favour of change of guard during his life time only.
The final draft which was to be read out to the press was also ready. The name of the person who would replace Geelani was in the draft. It indicates that all the formalities for smooth transition of hierarchy had been sorted out by the party (TeH).
While media men outside were pleading with JK Police to let them in, heated arguments were going on in the meeting of Majlis-e-Shoora about the succession.
As per party sources, Majlis-e-Shoora did not approve Geelani’s succession while he is alive. The argument put forward by Majlis-e-Shoora was precisely this: “How can you (Geelani Sahab) shift from your years old stand that you took when you ‘purified’ All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) in 2003 and parted from Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) in 2004.”
The stand that Geelani took on both these occasions was about upholding the sanctity of the respective constitutions.
As per sources, “Majlis-e-Shoora also advised Geelani that if he changed his principled stand, it would send a wrong signal among the masses, and could dent his image towards the end of his life.”
The source further added that Geelani was advised: “If you would allow a successor in Tehreek-e -Hurriyat this time, there would be every chance that Hurriyat (G) would also want to choose a new head.”
As per sources, the members of Majlis-e-Shoora also created hindrances in the path of succession. They did not like the succession of Geelani while he is still there. They would not allow the smooth transfer of power till Geelani is alive.
A party insider said, “Some people in our party do not understand the politics. We wanted to announce Geelani Sahab's successor, but we were not allowed to do so by some of the members of the Majlis-e-Shoora. For the larger interests, we abided by the decision of these members.”
The Majlis-e-Shoora has also advised Geelani to wait for the next elections so that the succession would happen in a constitutional way. The next election for the post of chairman is due in ending August this year.

The way out

Looking at the present political scenario of Jammu Kashmir, the best solution to the conundrum for the people and Hurriyat itself is: The conglomerate should appoint Geelani’s successor without further delay.
In his presence, it will be a smooth transition. No one will be able to raise a finger or talk against the decision. Moreover, whosover they choose as his successor, Geelani can groom him personally - politically, socially and morally as well.
As far as lending constitutional credibility to succession is concerned, Majlis-e-Shoora can hold emergency elections to appoint the new chairman or can simply lend support to change in guard. There is a provision in party’s constitution which gives special powers to its chairman to call for special elections.

The Kashmir issue

I have often wondered what will happen to the team (people and the Kashmir issue) after Geelani is no more. My question was answered by a mainstream leader.
In one of my interviews with a National Conference stalwart, he said: “Sheikh Abdullah was the tallest leader Kashmir has ever witnessed. Kashmir issue was there during his lifetime, and it is still there after his death.”
The same goes with Geelani. Whether he is with us or not, people and Kashmir issue will still be there. The only thing Geelani needs from us is that people of Kashmir should not sell the blood of people for petty small interests. He would like us to keep fighting till the end.
On the comparison by the NC leader between Sheikh Abdullah and Syed Ali Geelani, I believe the difference between Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah and Syed Ali Geelani is: Even when Geelani is not able to breathe properly, and at this stage in his life, he is still able to give hope to people to fight for the cause! While as Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah succumbed to the lures of a petty chair. That is the difference between the two. We shall leave it to the historians to judge the two, and decide who is taller among them.

Tail Piece

Geelani Sahab’s presence will be missed by one and all. Even the pro-establishment people, who have loathed him throughout his life, acknowledge the vision and stand of this old legendary figure. Kashmir will be an orphan without him. As a people, we must carry forward his mission. That must be our duty.


Feedback at daanishnabi@gmail.com

Published in Rising Kashmir on 13 May 2016

Popular posts from this blog

Denial of democracy has been the ongoing story of Kashmir: Jalal

-
Image
Newsroom Trial You have to choose your method of struggle intelligently: Bose  Ayesha Jalal  and  Sugata Bose , two noted scholars and historians and renowned academics and authors from America visited ‘Rising Kashmir’ on June 21 to interact with members of the newspaper’s editorial staff and reporters. The duo delivered brief talks which focussed on the politics of identity, regional identity, the question of minorities, intellectual history of ideas in South Asia, the K-issue and the way forward,   ‘rise of religious majoritarianism in India’, and China’s economic expansion, etc .    The session was moderated by  Editor-in-Chief  Dr Shujaat Bukhari . Ayesha Jalal, a Pakistani-born American Professor and Director, Center for South Asian and Indian Ocean Studies, Tufts University, said that Kashmir was not a question of religion for her. Jalal is grandniece of the renowned Urdu fiction writer Saadat Hasan Manto and a recipient of ‘...
Read more

House of Mirwaiz

-
Image
The first family of Kashmir Daanish Bin Nabi Kashmir has a number of religious institutions. One among them is the seat of Mirwaiz —which literally means head-preacher. In contemporary Islamic world this seat of “power” does not exist nor does it exercise so much influence as it does in Kashmir. This ‘Seat of Power’ is almost seven hundred years old and was recognized soon after the Muslim rule was established in Valley. There are no authentic sou rces during whose rule ‘ title Mirwaiz’ was officially introduced. Though many imminent contemporary Kashmiri historian are of the view that the title was introduced during Afghan regime. Conversely, the term Mirwaiz is not mentioned in Sir Walter Lawrence Classic, The Valley of Kashmir published in 1895, which is considered to be one of the authentic sources on modern Kashmir history. On other hand noted writer Zareef Ahmad Zareef says, “Ancestors of Mirwaiz travelled to Kashmir with caravan of Mir Syed Ali Hamadani (com...
Read more

Kashmir has an excellent future: Vijay Dhar

-
Image
Family of   Vijay Dhar   is one among those few who chose to return couple of years after the migration of Pandit community in early 1990 from Kashmir. Vijay is son of well-known Kashmiri politician Late Durga Prasad Dhar. He studied at Jamia Millia Islamia Delhi and has remained active in politics and social life. He came back to Kashmir in 1992 and settled here only after 1998. He decided to set up DP Dhar Trust in the same year to contribute in the field of education. By now Delhi Public School which he established in Srinagar a few years ago has made a mark. In an exclusive interview to  Rising Kashmir's   Online Editor,   Daanish Bin Nabi , Dhar talks about his homecoming and setting up of DP Dhar Memorial Trust. ·          Pandits have to come back ultimately; Valley is safe ·          We should introspect rather than blaming others     ·  ...
Read more