Tehreek-e-Hurriyat (lit. 'Movement for Freedom') is a separatist political party in Jammu and Kashmir, India founded by Syed Ali Shah Geelani. It was founded on 7 August 2004 after Geelani quit his former party Jamaat-e-Islami Kashmir.[1] The Indian government on December 31, 2023 declared the party an ‘Unlawful Association’ under the anti-terror law- the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) for a period of five years.[2]
Geelani stated that, when he was released from prison, his former party Jamaat-e-Islami Kashmir "retired" him. He needed to form a party in order to be part of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC).[3] He continued to serve as the Chairman of his faction of APHC, referred to as APHC (G).[1]
On its first foundation day, 7 August 2004, more than 1 lakh people, according to most conservative estimates, gathered at Hyderpora, Srinagar; showing solidarity and commitment to its objectives and goals. In August 2006, instead of a public convention, Tehreek-e-Hurriyat's Central Council decided to organize a convention of members, candidates for membership and the basic members of the party. Need was felt to elaborate the basic goals and objectives of Tehreek-e-Hurriyat in this convention. The convention was scheduled for Sunday to make it easier for the majority of members to participate. The basic objective before the founders of Tehreek-e-Hurriyat is to earn Allah's pleasure through unambiguous service to the basic principles of Islam (Faith), Azadi (Freedom) and Itihad-e-Millat (Fraternity).[4]
Ashraf Sehrai was elected as chairman of TeH in 2018 after Geelani stepped down from the post citing ill health and his house detention as reasons.[5] Ameer Hamza Shah was elected as the chairman in February 2022 following Sehrai's death.[6]