Srinagar, May 19 (JKNS): Thousands of people from different parts of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday participated in the funeral procession and Nimaz-e-Janazah of late Haji Khazir Mohammad Sheikh, father of Baramulla Member of Parliament Engineer Rashid, at their ancestral village Mawar Payeen in Handwara.
As per news agency JKNS, Earlier in the day, Er Rashid was released from Tihar Jail on interim bail and directly reached Srinagar Airport before proceeding to his native village to attend the funeral rites of his father.
The funeral prayers were led by senior Awami Itihaad Party leader and MLA Langate Sheikh Khursheed Ahmad amid an emotionally charged atmosphere marked by grief, prayers and massive public participation.
People from different walks of life, including political, social and religious personalities, visited the bereaved family to offer condolences and express solidarity with Er Rashid and his family.
Addressing mourners after the funeral prayers, Er Rashid made an emotional appeal urging people to learn lessons from death and reflect on the futility of hatred, revenge and animosity in human life. He said his struggle has never been against ordinary people or individuals, but against injustice and systems that allow injustice to flourish.
Recalling an incident from his days as a social activist before joining electoral politics, Er Rashid narrated how authorities had once announced a reward for capturing a man-eating animal alive instead of killing it so that its violent behaviour could be changed. Drawing a parallel, he said that if society can attempt to reform even a dangerous animal, then human beings who may have committed mistakes also deserve opportunities for reform, dignity and justice rather than permanent hatred and exclusion.
He further stated that his political struggle is much larger than issues like Article 370 or Statehood alone and is fundamentally linked to justice, dignity and respect for people.
Er Rashid also expressed gratitude to all those who visited his ailing father, attended the funeral or conveyed condolences. He reiterated that he holds no enmity towards the 140 crore people of India and that his disagreement is only with systems that perpetuate injustice and inequality.
Many mourners were seen visibly emotional during his brief address, which centred around compassion, humanity and reconciliation.
Meanwhile, AIP Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi thanked the authorities, civil administration and police for ensuring smooth management of the massive gathering and maintaining order during the funeral proceedings. (JKNS)
