Sopore (Kashmir), Jan 25 (NVI) For decades, people of Sopore in north Kashmir were forced, virtually at gun point, by separatist forces, led by their late Pakistan-affiliated leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani, to stay away from national celebrations like Republic Day and Independence Day.
Geelani, leader of Pakistan-sponsored separatist organisation Hurriyat Conference, hailed from Sopore and it was considered the hotbed of separatism and terrorism.
During his lifetime, an impression was created that locals were against the celebrations like Republic Day and Independence Day.
The fact, however, was that the locals were forced to stay away from such celebrations because of threats that anyone participating in such events would be killed.
Such intimidations were fomented by Geelani, the so-called ‘Qaid’ (top leader) and his associates and the pro-Pakistan terrorists did carry out killings to demonstrate that their threats were real.
But, after Geelani’s death in September 2021, the fear of terrorists started diminishing among the locals and they started to live freely.
As a result, this Republic Day saw an enthusiastic participation by the people of Sopore in the celebrations and official functions.
At the official function held in Khushal Stadium in Sopore, fervour was clearly visible, with even school children participating in activities, including parades.
The school children were the special attraction at the function, as they mesmerized a large number of spectators with a brilliant display of Pipe Band.
Geelani, who used to get regular funding from Pakistan, had brainwashed the gullible Kashmiri Muslim youth by inciting them against the State of India and Hindus.
He wanted Kashmir to join Pakistan and while pursuing this evil dream, he worked throughout his life to cause alienation among the Kashmiris against the State of India.
With his death, his dream also got extinguished and Kashmiris have started thinking and living freely.
They have actually achieved freedom and independence. (NVI)
