Mirwaiz Decries Bar on Attending Prof Abdul Ghani Bhat’s Funeral

SRINAGAR: Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Wednesday said he was prevented by authorities from attending the funeral prayers of senior separatist leader and Islamic scholar Prof Abdul Ghani Bhat, who passed away today evening.

In a statement posted on X, Mirwaiz expressed deep grief over Prof Bhat’s demise and said being barred from paying his last respects was “extremely painful and unfortunate.” He said the late leader’s contribution to Kashmir’s political and intellectual landscape would be remembered for decades.

It pains me beyond words that the authorities compelled the family of Prof. Sb to conclude his janazah hurriedly. I have been locked inside my home, and being denied the right to walk with him in his final journey. My association with him spanned 35 years of friendship and… pic.twitter.com/oqPU59LPbU

— Mirwaiz Umar Farooq (@MirwaizKashmir) September 17, 2025

Prof Bhat, a founding member of the Hurriyat Conference and former chairman of its Muslim Conference faction, died after a brief illness at his residence in Sopore. He was 89. Hundreds of people, including relatives, neighbours and supporters, attended his funeral in his hometown.

“Prof Bhat was not only a seasoned politician but also a respected academic and intellectual voice of Kashmir. It is saddening that I was not allowed to join the congregation and offer prayers,” Mirwaiz said, urging authorities to show sensitivity in such matters.

However, no immediate response was available from the administration regarding the restrictions.