The World Kashmir Awareness Forum (WKA) issued the following statement in recognition of Masarat Alam Bhat’s election to head the All Parties Hurriyat Conference following the passing of lifetime chairman Syed Ali Geelani.

“The World Kashmir Awareness Forum joins Kashmiris in welcoming Masarat Alam as the new Chairman of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (Tehreek-e-Hurriyat). Following the tragic passing of Syed Ali Shah Geelani earlier this month, Masarat Alam Bhat is a strong and capable successor. We congratulate Masarat Alam as Chairman and also welcome Shabir Ahmad Shah and Ghulam Ahmad Gulzar as newly named Vice Chairmen. In view of their lifelong service and dedication to the people of Jammu and Kashmir and their demand for self-determination, the World Kashmir Awareness Forum endorses the new leadership wholeheartedly.

“We recognize that while it would be impossible to fill the shoes of Syed Ali Geelani, a hero for his unwavering commitment to our people and a free Kashmir, he has instilled great confidence and trust in Masarat Alam’s leadership. Masarat Alam and Shabir Ahmed Shah have been wrongfully jailed for over 27 and 37 years, respectively, at the will of Indian occupying forces who continue to harm, terrorize, and harass our people. Masarat Alam has been booked under the infamous Public Safety Act and other draconian laws of India 37 different times. Most of those detention orders were quashed by Kashmiri courts until 2019. He has remained resolute in fighting for the right to self-determination for the people of Kashmir. Our demand for the exercise of the self- determination of the people of Jammu and Kashmir remains unwavering and we will not rest until justice and peace are achieved in our land.”