Former Chairman of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) Prof. Abdul Gani Bhat was laid to rest at his ancestral graveyard in Botingoo area of Sopore. Prof. Bhat passed away on Wednesday evening at his residence in Botingoo, Sopore at the age of 90.
His Nimaz-e-Jinaza was held at Markazi Jamia Masjid Batingo Sopore on Wednesday late evening. On Thursday, people from all walks of life visited the house of Prof. Gani to pay tributes and offer condolences to the family members.
Meanwhile, political leaders have condoled Prof. Abdul Gani Bhat’s demise. Jammu and Kashmir National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah expressed grief over the passing away of Prof Bhat. In his condolence message, Dr Farooq extended sympathies to the bereaved family and prayed for strength and patience for them during this difficult time.
Remembering Prof Bhat, Dr. Farooq said, “Our political ideologies were poles apart, but I will always remember him as a very civil and dignified individual. He was a moderate and courageous voice who stood for dialogue when many believed violence was the only way forward. May Allah Almighty elevate his station in the highest echelons of Jannat.” A number of NC leaders also expressed their condolences and paid rich tributes to Professor Bhat.
Expressing grief at the passing of Prof Abdul Gani Bhat, Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir, Mirwaiz Molvi Umar Farooq paid rich tributes. Mirwaiz said that his long association of over 35 years with Prof Bhat was a privilege and a blessing, as it gave him “the chance to know this gentle intellectual closely and learn from his wisdom.”
“A respected academic, an accomplished scholar, and an upright politician, Prof. Bhat consistently upheld dialogue and peaceful engagement as the only practical way to address the Kashmir issue. At a time when many thought otherwise, he had the courage to speak openly and firmly despite suffering personal losses,” said Mirwaiz.
Mirwaiz said that Prof Bhat’s legacy will endure as that of a scholar-statesman who combined intellect with humility, courage with patience, and conviction with compassion. His absence has created a void that cannot be filled, but his words, his vision, and his example will continue to inspire and guide, he added.
Former Union Minister Prof Saifuddin Soz also condoled the demise. “I express my deepest sorrow on the demise of a scholar politician – Prof. Abdul Gani Bhat of Botengo, Sopore. I knew Prof. Abdul Ghani Bhat as a close associate for at least, half a century. Long ago, Prof Gani was my colleague at Govt College Baramulla and Govt College Sopore and now, it is an amalgam of memories with me,” said Soz.
“Prof. Abdul Gani was a very lovable person and he will be remembered for long. He was a person who never cherished any kind of melancholy against anybody. That is to day, he was a very “Maranjan Maranj person. I happened to remain close to him always and one of those, who loved him for qualities of being mild, gentle, lovable and peaceful person. Even when we differed on politics, occasionally, he remained a cheerful and accommodating person,” said Prof Soz.
In a separate message, NC leader and former minister Chowdry Mohammad Ramzan paid condolences on the passing of Prof. Bhat. “During my graduation years at Baramulla College, he was my teacher and mentor—a man who was always affectionate and encouraging towards me. He was an honest man, exceptionally intelligent, a visionary thinker and an inspiring teacher who shaped the lives of countless students. Above all, he was a truly good human being, humble, kind and respected by everyone who knew him,” he said. “I still recall meeting him for the last time when he visited my residence in Handwara to offer condolences on my father’s demise. May Allah (SWT) forgive his shortcomings, grant him eternal peace and raise his soul to the highest ranks of Jannat.May Allah (SWT) bless the bereaved family with strength and patience to bear this irreparable loss,” he added.
