Haji Khazir Sheikh’s Nimaz-e-Janazah at 2 PM Today: AIP
Aatif Qayoom
Srinagar, May 18: Haji Khazir Mohammad Sheikh, father of jailed Member of Parliament Engineer Rashid and MLA Langate Sheikh Khursheed, passed away at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, after a prolonged illness. He was 85.
Family members said he had been battling multiple health complications for a long time. He was initially admitted to the Chest Diseases Hospital Srinagar. As his health deteriorated, he was shifted to SMHS Hospital and later referred to AIIMS Delhi for advanced treatment, where he breathed his last.
Engineer Rashid, who represents the Baramulla parliamentary constituency, is currently lodged in jail. On Monday, the Delhi High Court granted him interim bail till June 2 to attend the last rites of his father.
According to family sources, Er Rashid is expected to arrive at Srinagar Airport at around 9 am on Tuesday and will reach Mawer Langate by 11 am. The mortal remains of Haji Khazir Mohammad Sheikh will reach Mawer at around 8 am, while Nimaz-e-Janazah will be offered at 2 pm.
The demise triggered widespread grief across J&K, with leaders from different political parties expressing condolences and solidarity with the bereaved family.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed deep grief and sorrow over the passing away of Haji Khazir Mohammad Sheikh. The Chief Minister’s Office extended heartfelt condolences to the family and prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul and strength to the family in this difficult time.
PDP president Mehbooba Mufti said she was devastated by the news and described the loss of a parent as among the deepest sorrows in life. She prayed for patience and strength for the bereaved family.
Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr. Moulvi Muhammad Umar Farooq also expressed profound grief and extended heartfelt sympathies to the family. Calling it a deeply painful moment, he appealed to the authorities on humanitarian grounds to facilitate Engineer Rashid’s release so he could be with his family during the mourning period.
Apni Party president Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari said he was deeply saddened by the demise and termed the loss of a father among life’s heaviest sorrows. He said the tragedy becomes even more painful as Engineer Rashid remains separated from his family during incarceration.
PDP leader Waheed-ur-Rehman Parra expressed anguish over the heartbreaking situation and highlighted the emotional pain of a father being laid to rest without the presence and touch of his incarcerated son.