Srinagar, Sep 20 (KNO): After three days of house detention, Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Umar Farooq was released early Saturday morning and allowed to visit the Botingoo, Sopore residence of senior Hurriyat leader and its former Chairman, Prof. Abdul Ghani Bhat, who passed away on Wednesday.
Speaking at the occasion, Mirwaiz as per a statement issued to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) expressed deep sorrow at Prof. Bhat’s demise, describing it as a personal loss, as the deceased leader was to him an affectionate elder, dear friend, and guide.
He deeply regretted that he was not allowed to participate in his jinazah. He said that Prof. Bhat was not only a respected academic and scholar but also a visionary politician who consistently upheld dialogue and moderation as the way forward. His passing, Mirwaiz said, is an irreparable loss for the people of Jammu & Kashmir.
At the residence, Mirwaiz offered his sympathies to the family — his sons Mudassir Ghani Bhat, Jahangir Ghani Bhat, and Burhan Ghani Bhat — and other family members. Fatiha Khwani for the maghfirah of the departed soul was held.
He prayed that Allah grant patience and strength to the bereaved family and said that Prof. Bhat’s legacy as a scholar, visionary, and dreamer of peace will continue to inspire—(KNO)