SRINAGAR, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, a senior leader of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference, has honored the legacy of the late senior Hurriyat leader, Maulana Muhammad Abbas Ansari, marking the first anniversary of his passing.
According to a news release by Kashmir Media Service, in a statement delivered in Srinagar, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq reflected on the profound impact Maulana Abbas Ansari had on his life and leadership. The Mirwaiz highlighted the deep personal and familial ties he shared with the Maulana, emphasizing the pivotal role Ansari played as a mentor after Farooq assumed the position of Mirwaiz at the tender age of 17. “He always stood by me and gave me valuable advice and encouragement at every stage,” Farooq remarked.
Detailing the significant contributions of Maulana Abbas Ansari, the Mirwaiz characterized him as a man of unwavering principles, a distinguished religious scholar, and a leader with a clear vision. He acknowledged Ansari’s close association with his own father, Mirwaiz Molvi Muhammad Farooq, and their shared involvement in pivotal movements such as the Moi-e-Muqadas movement and the formation of the Awami Action Committee.
The Maulana’s lifelong dedication to political ideals, commitment to unity among Kashmiri Muslims, and tireless efforts to foster communal harmony have left an indelible mark, the Mirwaiz emphasized. “The sacrifices he made for communal harmony and mutual brotherhood will always be remembered forever,” he stated.
Highlighting the void left by the Maulana’s passing, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq expressed that the Kashmiri people have lost a determined and visionary leader, a gap that may take a long while to bridge. He offered his profound condolences to the Maulana’s son, Masroor Abbas Ansari, and the broader Ansari family, praying for solace and peace for the departed soul.
As a point of historical note, Maulana Abbas Ansari passed away a year ago in his Nawakadal residence located in Srinagar, after battling a prolonged illness. Throughout his life, he faced incarceration in Indian jails multiple times due to his staunch advocacy for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination.