The serene town of Sopore in Kashmir witnessed a somber and hushed midnight funeral on Thursday for the esteemed 89-year-old separatist leader, Professor Abdul Gani Bhat. In a move that drew immediate criticism, several prominent political figures, including former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, were reportedly confined to their homes, preventing them from participating in the last rites.
Professor Bhat, who led the Muslim Conference J&K and previously chaired the Hurriyat, had passed away on Wednesday evening following a short illness. According to sources close to the family, authorities reportedly pressured them to hold the funeral at an unusually late hour. A confidante of the late leader lamented that “the authorities deliberately scheduled the janaza (final rites) late into the night, seemingly to minimize public attendance.”
Among those allegedly placed under house arrest were Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti, Hurriyat chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, J&K Peoples Conference (JKPC) chief Sajad Lone, and J&K Ittihadul Muslimeen head Masroor Ansari. This measure was purportedly taken to stop them from visiting the residence of the late separatist leader and paying their respects.
Denied a Basic Right
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq expressed profound sorrow, stating, “It is truly unfortunate that during Professor Bhat’s final journey, he, his colleagues, and the countless individuals who wished to attend his funeral, offer condolences, and share in the collective grief were systematically denied this fundamental right. The act of confining people to their homes, preventing them from paying their last respects, is a cruelty that has only intensified the sorrow surrounding his demise.”
He further emphasized Professor Bhat’s unwavering commitment to “dialogue and peaceful engagement as the only viable path to resolve the complex Kashmir issue.” Mirwaiz highlighted that “Professor Bhat’s firm belief that dialogue represented strength, not vulnerability, significantly guided and inspired the collective endeavors of the Hurriyat.”
Weaponizing Pain and Unrest
Ms. Mufti strongly condemned her house arrest, describing it as the “harsh and undemocratic reality facing Jammu & Kashmir.” She asserted, “It is becoming progressively clearer that the current administration demonstrates no genuine interest in fostering peace or healing in Kashmir. Instead, their actions suggest a deliberate strategy to maintain the region in a perpetual state of turmoil, exploiting public pain and unrest for political gain throughout the nation. This cynical approach is not merely irresponsible; it is profoundly dangerous and utterly reprehensible.”
Sajad Lone, head of the JKPC, also reported being placed under house arrest. He expressed bewilderment, stating, “Professor sahib was a committed pacifist and had been retired for a considerable time. The opportunity to say a final goodbye is a basic human right that we all deserve. I genuinely struggle to comprehend the rationale behind such restrictive measures.”
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah voiced strong disapproval of the security agencies’ decision, highlighting that these agencies operate under the direct control of J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.
Mr. Abdullah questioned the move, remarking, “Absolutely nothing adverse would have transpired if Ms. Mufti or Mr. Lone had been permitted to visit the grieving family to offer their condolences. Is our security apparatus truly so apprehensive that it cannot even allow political leaders to express sympathy? This policy is detrimental to Jammu & Kashmir, particularly to the vision of a ‘New Kashmir.’”