Geelani re-elected as APHC chairman

Even though the police continues a massive manhunt for him, the underground top separatist leader, Masarat Alam Bhat has released another CD 'to hail the leadership of Syed Ali Shah Geelani and Hizbul Mujaheedin supreme commander Syed Salahuddin'.

A close aide of the hardline Geelani, Masarat Alam Bhat is now the most wanted separatist leader, who has eluded the police dragnet for over four months after his release in June this year. Masarat remained under detention for two years under the Public Safety Act (PSA).

The separatist leader has been quick to gain support after he launched the 'Quit Kashmir campaign' in June when the Valley erupted after the killing of a 17-year old student Tufail Matoo in old city. In his video statement Bhat hailed Geelani for 'his steadfastness and integrity' urging 'people to continue to render support to him'.

During Geelani's detention, it was Masarat who issued the weekly protest calendars in Kashmir. The police has been conducting raids to nab Bhat who has so far succeeded in evading arrest.

Meanwhile Syed Ali Shah Geelani has been re-elected chairman of his group, All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) for a term of three years. Geelani's term was to expire on Sunday and he was elected unopposed, according to a spokesman here.