Indian authorities deployed troops and shut down the internet in the Kashmir valley following the death of Kashmir separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani. The symbol of the region's defiance against Indian rule died on Wednesday night in Srinagar. He was 92 years old.
Indian imposed public movement restrictions and a near-total communications blackout in Kashmir following his death. Geelani was buried in a heavily restricted funeral. According to his family, Geelani was supposed to be buried at the main martyr's graveyard in Srinagar but Indian police did not allow it. He was instead buried at a local graveyard.
"They snatched his body and forcibly buried him. Nobody from the family was present for his burial. We tried to resist but they overpowered us and even scuffled with women," Geelani's son, Naseem Geelani, said.
Indian authorities said they barred a mass funeral due to fears of it sparking anti-India protests. Officials said troops have been deployed in sensitive areas in the region and vehicular movement has been restricted.
Indian Police chief, Vijay Kumar, said the internet and communications shut down was a necessary "precautionary measure." All roads leading to Geelani's resident have also been sealed.
Geelani has been under house arrest for the last 12 years after heading major anti-India protests in the region. He reportedly developed chest pain and chest congestions before his death.
When he was active, Geelani had spearheaded Kashmir's movement against Indian rule. He was also a staunch proponent for the merging of Kashmir with Pakistan. He resisted requests for talks with India resulting in him being labeled as a hardline politician by the Indian government.
Geelani had headed a faction of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference, which was comprised of various Kashmiri political and religious groups. The faction worked for the region's right to self-determination through civil disobedience in the form of protests.
Pakistan observed a day of mourning following his death. Flags in Pakistan flew at half staff on orders from Prime Minister Imran Khan. Pakistan's foreign ministry openly condemned India's decision to bar a public burial.
"Pakistan strongly condemns the barbaric act of snatching of the mortal remains of the iconic Kashmiri leader," the ministry said in a statement.
