Mirwaiz Umar Farooq Pays Condolences to Anwar Ashai’s Family, Recalls His Political and Social Contributions

Srinagar: Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr Molvi Mohammad Umar Farooq on Wednesday visited the residence of Anwar Ashai to offer condolences to his family following his death.

In a statement, Mirwaiz expressed sadness over Ashai’s passing, recalling his meetings with him and describing him as a concerned and committed person who remained engaged with public issues.

Mirwaiz Pays Tribute to Anwar Ashai

Paying tribute to Ashai, Mirwaiz said he had a deep understanding of the history and politics of Jammu and Kashmir and remained conscious of the challenges facing the region.

Over the years, Ashai became involved in social activism and contributed to issues related to education, the environment, social reform and other public concerns, Mirwaiz said.

He described Ashai’s death as a loss not only for his family and friends but also for the people and causes to which he had dedicated his life.

Recalled His Political Activism

Recalling Ashai’s political past, Mirwaiz said his association with Kashmir’s political movement began during the Plebiscite Front era in 1965, when he was a student leader.

According to Mirwaiz, Ashai was arrested and later imprisoned for his political activities.

Mirwaiz further said that during his incarceration, Ashai and fellow student activists Mohd Jaweed, Iqbal Naqishbandi, Habib Ullah Sufi and Bashir Ahmad faced severe treatment in prison but refused to become approvers in what Mirwaiz described as a false case against Shaheed-e-Millat Mirwaiz Molvi Farooq.

Mirwaiz said their refusal demonstrated what he described as their moral conviction and courage.

“Such moral conviction and courage speaks volumes about these sons of the soil, who will always be remembered and honoured by the people.”

Ashai Family’s Role in Kashmir’s History

Mirwaiz said Anwar Ashai belonged to the prominent Ashai family, and recalled the legacy of his father, Khwaja Ghulam Ahmad Ashai, whom he described as a renowned educationist and political activist.

According to Mirwaiz, Khwaja Ghulam Ahmad Ashai played a significant role in the educational and political awakening of Kashmiri Muslims.

He also recalled Anwar Ashai’s association with Mirwaiz Yousuf Shah, describing him as a close associate who contributed to the political awakening that eventually led to the formation of the Muslim Conference.