J-K CM Abdullah, Mehbooba Mufti condole death of senior Hurriyat leader Prof Abdul Gani Bhat
(source : ANI) ( Photo Credit : ani)
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mourns Loss of Veteran Kashmiri Leader Professor Abdul Gani Bhat
In a heartfelt tribute, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed deep sadness over the passing of senior Kashmiri political leader and academician Professor Abdul Gani Bhat. The 90-year-old veteran, who served as former chairman of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC), died at his home in Sopore, Baramulla district of North Kashmir, on Wednesday after a short illness.
Omar Abdullah shared his thoughts on X (formerly Twitter), highlighting their stark political differences but praising Bhat’s civility. "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 wrote. Abdullah also commended Bhat’s bold push for dialogue during tough times when violence seemed the only path. "He had the courage to espouse the cause of dialogue… 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."
Professor Abdul Gani Bhat left a lasting mark on Kashmir politics. He co-founded the Muslim United Front (MUF) in 1986 and ran in the 1987 elections. Later, he led the APHC, a key coalition of separatist groups formed in 1993, and headed the Muslim Conference, Jammu and Kashmir (MCJK), which the Indian government has banned. Known for his scholarly background as a teacher and intellectual, Bhat championed peaceful resolutions to the Kashmir issue.
Other leaders joined in remembering him. Former Chief Minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti called Bhat a "voice of moderation" in Kashmir’s turbulent history. In her X post, she said, "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."
Mufti added a personal touch, noting Bhat’s affection and support during her tough times. "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."
Tributes like these show how Professor Abdul Gani Bhat bridged divides in Kashmir politics, leaving behind a legacy of dialogue and moderation that many in the region still admire.
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
