Ex-Geelani aide quits separatism, Amit Shah declares ‘separatism history’ in Kashmir

Srinagar: A former aide of late Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Geelani has distanced himself from the separatist camp, prompting Union Home Minister Amit Shah to declare that separatism has become history in Kashmir.

On Monday, advocate Mohammad Shafi Reshi announced his complete disassociation from the Jammu & Kashmir Democratic Political Movement (DPM), a constituent of hardline faction of All Parties Hurriyat Conference.

Reshi, was a former head of DPM in Jammu & Kashmir and close to aide of late Hurriyat chief Geelani.

Commenting on the development, Shah said today that separatism has become history in Jammu and Kashmir.

He credited "the unifying policies" of the Narendra Modi-led government for dismantling separatist sentiment in the region.

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Separatism has become history in Kashmir.

The unifying policies of the Modi government have tossed separatism out of J&K. Two organizations associated with the Hurriyat have announced the severing of all ties with separatism.

I welcome this step towards strengthening Bharat's…

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) March 25, 2025 >

In a social media post, Shah said the development marks a major shift in the political landscape of J&K.

“I welcome this step towards strengthening Bharat's unity and urge all such groups to come forward and shed separatism once and for all,” Home Minister said on X.

Calling it a "big victory" for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a developed, peaceful, and unified Bharat, Shah said the move further solidifies the government's commitment to national integration in Jammu and Kashmir.

The abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019 and the arrest and imprisonment of several Hurriyat leaders in the lead-up to it, have virtually made the once-powerful umbrella body of separatists virtually defunct.