Jammu & Kashmir: Syed Ali Shah Geelani gets one year extension as chairman of Tehreek-e-Hurriyat

Srinagar: Hardline separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani was today given one-year extension as chairman of his Tehreek-e-Hurriyat party.

87-year-old Geelani has been serving as the head of the outfit since its formation in 2003 following a vertical split in Hurriyat Conference.

The election to the party post was due in August last year but could not be conducted due to the unrest in Kashmir triggered by killing of Hizbul Mujhaideen militant Burhan Wani in an encounter with security forces in July.

"To facilitate the smooth functioning (of the party), a resolution was moved by general secretary Mohammad Ashraf Sehrai, in which it was suggested to extend the tenure of chairman and executive body.

"The move was supported by all members and an amendment in this regard was permitted," a spokesman of Tehreek-e -Hurriyat said in a statement.

The internal elections of office bearers of Tehreek-e -Hurriyat are held every three years and Geelani has been elected unopposed every time.