Sheikh Momin
Ashraf Sehrai was born in the Tekipora village of North Kashmir on November 14, 1944. Ashraf Sehrai’s life story has served as a symbol of the fight for Kashmiri sovereignty and self-determination. After completing his master’s degree in Urdu literature, he entered in the field of grassroots movement immediately rose to prominence voicing out against the atrocities that Kashmiris must endure. In July 2020, Tehreek-e-Hurriyat Chairman Ashraf Sehrai was imprisoned in Udhampur jail under the terms of the PSA. Ashraf Sehrai served as Syed Ali Geelani’s longtime deputy.
Ashraf Sehrai experienced the appalling circumstances of jails and detention centers while incarcerated multiple times. But each tour behind bars only strengthened his resolve and solidified his standing as a representative of those who oppose injustice. Afterwards, on May 4, 2021, his health started to deteriorate and he started to experience breathing difficulties.
He was then admitted to Jammu’s Government Medical College, where he died the next day. Ashraf Sehrai’s family alleged that he was killed by Indian officials, despite the Jammu and Kashmir High Court Bar Association stating that Sehrai’s death was a murder that occurred while he was in custody. Ashraf Sehrai endured several hardships, including imprisonment, and was subjected to persecution and punishment on multiple occasions by the Indian authorities. In the resistance movement, Sehrai not only gave his own life but also that of his son, Junaid Ahmad Sehrai, who was martyred by Indian authorities. Ashraf Sehrai has brought the Kashmir dispute to the forefront of international attention. They demanded on the world community to put pressure on India to refrain from abusing its power over the Kashmiri people and provide them the right to self-determination. During his tenure, Ashraf Sehrai never changed his belief and principles in the midst of difficulties and challenges. Nationally and Internationally he earned respect and appreciation of people for his constant dedication to Kashmir cause. Ashraf Sahrai’s Sacrifices and dedication in support of Kashmir always hold a special place for kashmiris
May 5, 2021 marked the passing of Ashraf Sehrai, but his memory as a proponent of Kashmiri autonomy lives on in his people’s thoughts and feelings. His unwavering pursuit of justice and the right of the Kashmiri people to self-determination has left an indelible mark on the region’s communal consciousness, encouraging future generations to continue the struggle for freedom.
Ashraf Sehrai will be remembered in Kashmiri history as a symbol of hope and determination in the face of tragedy, as well as a leader.
With his unwavering commitment to the cause, ashraf Sehrai represents the strong resolve of the oppressed kashmiri people, who remain in their struggle for justice and self governance in the face of challenges. Ashraf Sehrai will always live on in history as an example of guidance and direction
