Prof. Abdul Gani Bhat passes away

Baramulla, Sep 17: Former chairman of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) Prof. Abdul Gani Bhat passed away Wednesday evening at his residence in Botingoo, Sopore. He was 90.

According to family members, Bhat had been unwell for some time and breathed his last at his residence. Born in 1935 in Botingoo, which is near Sopore in north Kashmir, Bhat started out as an academic before he entered politics.

His Nimaz-e-Jinaza was offered at Markazi Jamia Masjid Botingo Sopore. He attended Srinagar’s SP College for his early studies and later did post graduate work in Persian, which was followed by a law degree from Aligarh Muslim University. For over two decades he taught Persian at Government Degree College in Poonch, which was his day-to-day engagement prior to a foray into politics. His political career started in 1986 when he co-founded the Muslim United Front (MUF).

The demise of Prof Abdul Gani Bhat has been widely condoled. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, JK Apni Party Chairman Syed Muhammad Altaf Bukhari, former CM Mehbooba Mufti, Peoples Conference chief Sajad Lone and other leaders paid rich tributes to Prof. Abdul Gani Bhat.

“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 some time 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,” Mirwaiz Umar Farooq in a statement said.

In a post on X, CM 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.”

People’s Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti in her condolence message on X 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.”

Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari expressed his grief over the passing of Prof. Bhat. In his condolence message, Bukhari wrote on his X handle: “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.”

He further said, “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,” the post further reads.

Peoples Conference president Sajad Lone in his condolence message paid tributes to Prof. Bhat “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,” he wrote on X.

CPI (M) leader M Y Tarigami said Prof Bhat’s loss leaves a void that will be deeply felt. “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,” Tarigami wrote on X.

Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Front (PDF) President and former Minister, Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen, expressed sorrow over the demise of Prof. Bhat. In his condolence message, Hakeem Yaseen described Prof. Bhat as a towering personality, whose contributions to political discourse, public life, and academia will always be remembered. He said Prof. Bhat’s passing has created a void that can never be filled.

Jammu and Kashmir Anjuman Sharia Shian has also expressed grief over the demise.

In his condolence message, the President of Anjuman Sharia Shian, Aga Syed Hassan Mousvi Safvi, described the late Professor as a noble soul whose entire life was dedicated to the service of religion, humanity, and the promotion of wisdom. “He was a radiant lamp that illuminated generations and guided society with his vision and sagacity,” the statement reads.