Syed Ali Shah Geelani, face of separatist movement in Kashmir, dies at 92

The pro-Pakistan leader was ailing for long and had last year triggering a row resigned from the Hurriyat Conference, the umbrella organisation of 26 political, social and religious outfits that had for decades championed Kashmir separatism.

Condoling the death, former Chief Minister and People's Democratic Party leader Mehbooba Mufti has tweeted: "Saddened by the news of Geelani sahab's passing away. We may not have agreed on most things but I respect him for his steadfastness & standing by his beliefs. May Allah Ta'aala grant him jannat & condolences to his family & well wishers."

Geelani was one of the prominent faces of separatist movement in Kashmir since 1989.

In his resignation letter last year he had accused some Hurriyat Conference leaders of "revolting against his leadership" debunking the speculation that he was quitting because of poor health conditions or government pressure.

He wrote in the resignation letter addressed to other leaders of the outfit: "Despite my ill health and continued restrictions, I tried to approach you through various ways but none of you were available. Now that you feel that you will be held accountable for the misappropriation of funds, you openly revolted against the leadership."

Geelani was a legislator in Kashmir for 15 years before leading the anti-India movement in Kashmir since 1989, the year since when the Kashmiri Hindus started leaving the region amid growing violence of the Islamists.

It was under him that the various anti-India groups in Kashmir came under the umbrella of All Parties Hurriyat Conference in 1993.

He was arrested or detained or put under house arrest several times. He was also charged with sedition during his anti-India movement.

Geelani, who was known for his frequent calls for strike in the Kashmir Valley, rose in separatist politics during the spell of terrorism in Kashmir through 1990s.

He had also formed his own outfit Tehreek-e-Hurriyat after leaving Jamaat-e-Islami.

Geelani had not only condemned the killing of Osama bin Laden by the US in 2011, but had also performed last rite prayers for the dreaded terrorist in Srinagar.

His resignation had followed the situation in Kashmir arising out of the abrogation of Article 370 when he reportedly started losing the support of his outfit leaders.

He has often been accused of keeping his own family out of the movement while egging on others to join the separatist movement.

Several condolence tweets started pouring in since he breathed his last on Wednesday evening.