Srinagar, Sep 17 (KNO): After a brief illness, the former separatist leader, Professor Abdul Gani Bhat died on Wednesday at his Sopore residence.
According to the family, Bhat breathed his last today after a brief illness at his residence in Sopore area of North Kashmir’s Baramulla district.
According to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the announcement regarding the conduct of last rites including the funeral will be made shortly by the family.
Several political leaders including the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed grief over his demise.
In a post on X, Omar Abdullah wrote, “I’m saddened to hear about the demise of senior Kashmiri political leader & academician Professor Abdul Gani Bhat Sb. Our political ideologies were poles apart but I will always remember him as a very civil person. He had the courage to espouse the cause of dialogue when many believed violence was the only way forward and this resulted in him meeting the then PM Vajpayee ji & Deputy PM Advani ji. May Professor Bhat sb find place in Jannat. My condolences to his family & loved ones.”
Head Cleric of Jamia Masjid, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq in a post, wrote, “Just heard the very sad news that I lost the affectionate elder, a dear friend and colleague, Prof. Abdul Ghani Bhat Sahib, who passed away sometime ago. Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un. A huge personal loss! May Allah grant him the highest place in Jannah. Kashmir has been bereft of a sincere and visionary leader.”
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president and former J&K chief minister, Mehbooba Mufti wrote, “I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Professor Abdul Gani Bhat sb. He was a voice of moderation amidst the tumultuous history of Kashmir an esteemed scholar, teacher, and intellectual with a pragmatic approach to politics. A strong advocate for the peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issue, his influence was profound.”
“On a personal note, he always showed me great affection, and I turned to him for solace during difficult times. Despite differing political views, he remained a close and respected friend of Mufti Saheb, and together, peace and reconciliation were the core of their political campaigns. May his soul rest in peace, and may his legacy continue to inspire,” she wrote.
Peoples Conference President and MLA Handwara, Sajad Gani Lone, wrote, “Heartfelt condolences to the family of Professor Abdul Ghani Bhat sahib who passed away. Fondly remembered as Professor sahib. He was a literary figure too apart from politics. He was a colleague of my late father. And I have had long conversations with him. May Allah grant him Jannat.”
MLA Kulgam and CPI (M) leader, M Y Tarigami, wrote, “Deeply saddened by the passing of Prof. Abdul Gani Bhat. I have known him for long. He was an eminent figure in J & K’s political landscape, remembered for his humility, intellect, and lifelong struggle for the welfare of people. His loss leaves a void that will be deeply felt.”
Apni Party President and former minister, Syed Altaf Bukhari, wrote, “Just received the heartbreaking news of the passing of Professor Abdul Ghani Bhat Sahib. Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un. This is a personal loss for me, and today my heart grieves the departure of someone whose absence can never be replaced.”
“Professor Sahib, a close friend and classmate of my late father, held a special place in my heart. I always admired him and drew inspiration from his sharp wit and impeccable wisdom. I pray to Almighty Allah to grant his soul eternal peace and the highest place in Jannah. Though I am away from the valley and cannot be with the grieving family in person, my thoughts, prayers, and unwavering support are with them. May Allah grant them the strength to endure this profound and irreplaceable loss,” he wrote—(KNO)