Kashmiri Leader Abdul Gani Bhat Laid to Rest at Midnight Amid Restricted Mourning

rapid Summary

• Professor Abdul Gani Bhat, former Hurriyat chairman and leader of the Muslim Conference J&K, passed away after a brief illness at the age of 89.
• Authorities insisted on a midnight funeral in Sopore to minimize attendance, according to family sources.
• Prominent politicians such as Mehbooba Mufti (PDP president), Mirwaiz Umar Farooq (Hurriyat chairman), Sajad Lone (JKPC chief), and Masroor Ansari were placed under house arrest to prevent them from attending or visiting Prof. Bhat’s residence.
• Politicians criticized the restrictions imposed during this period. Mehbooba Mufti described her house arrest as reflective of J&K’s “harsh and undemocratic reality,” adding that BJP policies perpetuate unrest for political mileage.
• Omar Abdullah expressed strong disapproval over security agencies’ decisions, questioning their rationale in preventing politicians from offering condolences.

Indian Opinion Analysis
The enforced restrictions surrounding Professor Abdul Gani Bhat’s funeral reflect ongoing tensions over political expression in Jammu & Kashmir following years of intense scrutiny and security measures post-reorganization of the state in 2019. While authorities aimed to limit potential gatherings during his funeral due to perceived risks, critics argue these actions undermine basic civil liberties, including rights associated with mourning and condolence visits. The sharp reactions from prominent leaders like Mehbooba Mufti indicate growing discontent with governance strategies labeled by some as excessively restrictive or counterproductive toward fostering peace.

This advancement may further polarize sentiments within J&K while complicating efforts toward reconciliation dialogue-a cause Prof. Bhat himself championed during his involvement with separatist politics earlier in life.

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