Kashmiri separatist leader Abdul Gani Bhat’s funeral conducted at midnight, with politicians bottled up at home

A midnight funeral was conducted for separatist leader Professor Abdul Gani Bhat, 89, in Kashmir’s Sopore area on Thursday. Prominent politicians, including former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, were placed under “house arrest” to stop them from joining.

Prof. Bhat, head of the Muslim Conference J&K and ex-chairman of the Hurriyat, passed away on Wednesday evening after a brief illness. Family sources said authorities insisted on a midnight funeral. “The authorities ensured that janaza (final rites) was late enough to reduce attendance to a minimum,” a close aide of the deceased separatist leader said.

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 were placed under “house arrest” to prevent them from visiting the residence of the deceased separatist leader.

Also Read | Former Hurriyat chairman Abdul Gani Bhat, who held talks with NDA leaders two decades ago, passes away

Denied a basic right

“It is extremely unfortunate that when Prof. Bhat’s final journey came, he, his colleagues, and the thousands who wished to attend his funeral, offer condolences to the bereaved family, and share in the collective grief were denied this basic right. Being locked inside their homes, prevented from paying their last respects, was a cruelty that has only deepened the sorrow of his passing,” the Mirwaiz said.

He recalled Mr. Bhat’s efforts “for a dialogue and peaceful engagement, as the only practical way to address the Kashmir issue.” “Mr. Bhat’s conviction that dialogue was a strength, not a weakness, gave encouragement and direction to the collective efforts of the Hurriyat,” the Mirwaiz said

Weaponising pain

Ms. Mufti said placing her under house arrest was the “harsh and undemocratic reality of J&K.” “It is becoming increasingly clear that the BJP has no interest in peace or healing in Kashmir. Instead, they seem determined to keep the region in a constant state of turmoil, weaponising pain and unrest for political mileage across the rest of the country. This cynical approach is not just irresponsible; it is dangerous and utterly reprehensible,” Ms. Mufti said. 

JKPC chief Lone also said he was placed under house arrest. “Professor sahib was a pacifist and literally long retired. A final good bye is something that we all deserve. I fail to understand the need for this is,” Mr. Lone said.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah spoke out against the decision by security agencies that are controlled by J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.

“Nothing would have happened if Ms. Mufti or Mr. Lone had gone to the family to offer condolences. Is our security grid so fearful that it cannot even trust leaders to visit for condolences? This is not good for J&K, especially for ‘Naya Kashmir,’” Mr. Abdullah said.