Syed Ali Geelani quits as chairman of Tehreek-e-Hurriyat

Veteran Kashmiri separatist leader, octogenarian Syed Ali Shah Geelani has stepped down from the post of chairman of Tehreek-e-Hurriyat (TeH). He has been the chairman, since the inception of  TeH in 2001. Long-time Geelani aide Mohammad Ashraf Sehrai has replaced him as Chairman of TeH, confirmed ANI. 

According to Rising Kashmir, Sehrai is the interim chairman of TeH, and there will be fresh election held to chose the next party chief.  Till now, Sehrai worked as the general secretary of the party. He has worked together with Geelani for over six decades. Geelani has resigned citing health concerns, claims Hurriyat sources. 

However, other reports suggest Geelani has been cornered recently with NIA tightening screws over funding. That may have forced veteran Geelani to finally quit his post, indicate reports. 

"The Tehreek-e-Hurriyat led by Syed Ali Geelani today held a meeting at its office in Srinagar and elected senior member Muhammad Ashraf Sehrai as the party chairman," said a spokesperson
Geelani has been viewed as a key separatist leader in Kashmir Valley and has been vocal on advocating Kashmiri separatism. 

Former Jammu and Kashmir Omar Abdullah has long blamed Geelani for the rise in militancy and bloodshed in Kashmir Valley, while Omar's father and former Union Minister Farooq Abdullah has urged Geelani to follow a path which would "save Kashmiri people from further destruction".

Geelani was also Chairman of all party Hurriyat Conference. He was three times MLA from Sopore constituency previously. 

With ANI inputs