Mehbooba condoles with Mirwaiz

Srinagar, Nov 4: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President and former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti visited the Mirwaiz Manzil in Nigeen on Monday to extend condolences over the demise of Mirwaiz Moulvi Muhammad Ahmad Shah, son of Mirwaiz Moulvi Yousuf Shah.

A statement of PDP issued here said that expressing her sorrow, Mufti said that it was unfortunate that families divided by the Line of Control (LoC) were not allowed to mourn together.

She said that the Mirwaiz family should have been permitted to unite in their time of grief.

Speaking to reporters outside the Mirwaiz Manzil, Mufti said, “It is heartbreaking to hear of the demise of Mirwaiz Moulvi Ahmad Shah Sahab, and even more tragic that Mirwaiz Umar Sahab was prevented from attending the funeral. I fail to understand why this government takes such steps, which only remind the people of Kashmir that they are not part of a democratic nation but rather under a form of repression.”

She also highlighted the vision of the PDP founder Mufti Muhammad Sayeed, who advocated for an open cross-border movement to foster peace.

“Mufti Sahab believed that the walls dividing us should be dismantled, allowing people from both sides to connect and promote a dignified solution to the Kashmir issue. When families like the Mirwaiz’s, who were exiled from their homeland, lose a loved one, they should at least be allowed to come together and perform last rites,” Mufti said.

Reflecting on the denial of permission to Mirwiaz Umar Farooq for even a funeral prayer in absentia at Srinagar, she said, “This situation speaks volumes about Kashmir's painful story and history. Without addressing the Kashmir issue, without healing these wounds, the central government has no other path forward to ensure peace and reconciliation.”