Syed Salim Geelani Joins People's Democratic Party, Advocates Political Solution for Kashmir

Syed Salim Geelani, a separatist leader and member of Hurriyat Conference, has joined the People's Democratic Party (PDP). He believes in resolving the Kashmir issue politically and rejects violence. Former Congress leader Altaf Ahmad Malik and other leaders also joined PDP, while some joined Congress.

In a significant political shift, Syed Salim Geelani, a prominent separatist leader and Hurriyat Conference member, officially joined the People's Democratic Party (PDP) on Sunday. The move was marked by his endorsement of peaceful political solutions for the Kashmir issue, a stance he emphasized during his induction ceremony attended by PDP President Mehbooba Mufti.

Addressing the media, Geelani asserted that democratic means are the only path to resolving the Kashmir conflict, stating, 'Gun cannot be a solution. This is the only way to save lives that are being lost to violence.' Geelani, formerly a close aide of incarcerated separatist leader Shabir Ahmad Shah, was previously a general council member of the Hurriyat Conference, led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq.

In welcoming Geelani, Mufti hailed his commitment to a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issue. Additionally, notable political shifts saw former Congress leader Altaf Ahmad Malik and others joining the PDP, while National Conference leader Babu Jagjiwan Lal and ex-PDP chief spokesperson Suhail Bukhari entered Congress. JKPCC chief Tariq Hameed Karra received the new Congress members, expanding the party's fold.

(With inputs from agencies.)