Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and People's Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti visited the Kangan area in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district on Friday to offer condolences to the bereaved family of former MLA from Gurez and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, Faqeer Mohammad Khan.
Her visit was a gesture of support to the grieving family following Khan’s sudden and tragic demise.
During her visit, Mufti met with Khan’s family members and close relatives, expressing her deep sorrow over the unfortunate incident. She was accompanied by senior PDP leader Bashir Ahmad Mir and other party members. The presence of political figures and well-wishers underscored the impact of Khan’s passing on the political and social landscape of the region.
Earlier, thousands of people gathered in Kangan to attend the funeral prayers of Faqeer Mohammad Khan, a reflection of the deep respect and influence he held within the community. Following the prayers, Khan was laid to rest amid an atmosphere of mourning and grief.
On Thursday, the 62-year-old BJP leader and former Independent MLA from Jammu and Kashmir’s Gurez constituency allegedly died by suicide.
According to party officials, he reportedly used the self-loading rifle (SLR) of his security personnel to take his own life inside his official government accommodation in Tulsibagh, Srinagar. The news of his death sent shockwaves across political circles and the region at large.
Also Read: Mehbooba Mufti slams 'bigots' for spreading fear on Holi
BJP spokesperson Altaf Thakur confirmed the incident and stated that Khan’s death was a case of suicide. However, the reasons behind his extreme step remain unknown, as no suicide note or clear indications have surfaced so far.
Khan had a long political career, first being elected as an Independent candidate to the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly in 1996. He later joined the BJP in 2020 and contested the assembly elections on the party's ticket in the previous year, though he was unsuccessful in securing a win.
In response to the incident, the police issued an official statement acknowledging the firearm discharge that led to Khan’s death. Authorities confirmed that the matter has been taken under cognisance, and legal proceedings have been initiated.
The statement from Srinagar Police read: “An incident of firearm discharge was reported today in the Tulsibagh area of Srinagar, resulting in the death of former legislator Faqeer Mohammad Khan, son of Jumma Khan, a resident of Gurez. Police have taken cognisance of the matter, and legal proceedings under Section 194 of the BNSS have been initiated at Police Station Shergarhi.”
Preliminary findings suggest that the incident is a case of suicide. However, the authorities are conducting a thorough investigation, examining all possible angles to ascertain the circumstances leading to Khan’s tragic demise.
Also Read: Return of leaders into party fold, a shot in arm for PDP
Follow us
