Today marks the martyrdom anniversary of Shaheed Advocate Abdul Qadir Sailani, a senior Kashmiri lawyer who was killed in Soura in 1995. He is remembered for his integrity, professionalism, and commitment to justice and to the right of self-determination of the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
Advocate Sailani practiced law from his chamber on Hari Singh High Street in Srinagar. During the 1980s and early 1990s, he became known for defending political detainees and civilians affected by the ongoing military occupation. Colleagues describe him as upright, sincere, and principled, someone who combined legal skill with moral conviction. He was respected for taking on sensitive cases at a time when few dared to do so.
On October 17, 1995, while traveling through Soura, unidentified gunmen opened fire on his vehicle, injuring both Sailani and his driver, Farooq Ahmad Bhat. They were taken to the hospital, where Advocate Sailani succumbed to his injuries. His death caused widespread grief and anger across the valley. Members of the legal fraternity suspended work in protest, and civil society groups demanded an impartial investigation.
Official explanations for the killing were inconsistent. However, many in IIOJK firmly believed that Indian occupation forces were responsible for his killing, pointing to a pattern of targeting voices of dissent and defenders of human rights. This pattern of silencing critics was seen again in the killings of other Kashmiri lawyers and activists, including Advocate Jalil Andrabi, a prominent human rights lawyer and political activist who was abducted and murdered by Indian occupation forces in 1996, and Advocate Hussam, who was shot dead inside his home in Srinagar on 15 September 2004 after assailants posing as clients entered his residence and fired at him. Both were known for their public support for the Kashmiri people’s right to freedom and for their work in defending victims of state violence.
Sailani’s colleagues and associates remember him as a man who valued principle over comfort. He continued his work despite the growing risks faced by lawyers and activists in IIOJK. His dedication to justice and his clear support for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination earned him respect across political and social circles.
Those who knew him say the best tribute to Shaheed Abdul Qadir Sailani is to follow his path of righteousness and to remain committed to the causes of Islam and freedom. His example continues to inspire young lawyers and human rights defenders who face similar challenges in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir today.
Nearly three decades after his death, his name remains synonymous with courage, integrity, and duty. Remembering him on this day serves as a reminder that the pursuit of justice in IIOJK has often required both personal sacrifice and unwavering faith in truth.
