SRINAGAR: Thousands of people from different parts of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday attended the funeral procession and Nimaz-e-Jinazah of Haji Khazir Mohammad Sheikh, father of Baramulla Member of Parliament Engineer Rashid, at Mawar Payeen village in Handwara.
Engineer Rashid, who was released from Tihar Jail on interim bail earlier in the day, travelled from Srinagar Airport to his ancestral village to participate in the funeral rites of his father.
The funeral prayers were led by Awami Itihaad Party leader and MLA Langate Sheikh Khursheed Ahmad. People from political, social and religious circles visited the family to offer condolences.
Addressing mourners after the funeral prayers, Engineer Rashid urged people to reflect on the realities of death and called for compassion and reconciliation in society. He said his political struggle was directed against injustice and systems that allow injustice to continue.
Referring to his earlier years as a social activist, he narrated an incident in which authorities had attempted to capture a man-eating animal alive for behavioural reform instead of killing it. Drawing a parallel, he said individuals who commit mistakes should also be given opportunities for reform and dignity.
He further said that his political struggle extended beyond issues such as Article 370 and statehood and was linked to justice, dignity and respect for people. He also thanked those who visited his ailing father, attended the funeral or conveyed condolences.
Engineer Rashid said he held no enmity towards the people of India and that his disagreement was with systems he described as perpetuating injustice and inequality.
Meanwhile, Awami Itihaad Party Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi thanked the authorities, civil administration and police for managing the gathering and maintaining order during the funeral proceedings.
