Describing late Chief Minister Mufti Muhammad Sayeed as the embodiment of peace and a staunch supporter of India-Pakistan friendship, senior separatist leader Professor Abdul Gani Bhat Saturday was all praise for late leader when he delivered an emotional speech at Gupkar residence of Mehbooba Mufti.Eyewitnesses told CNS that Bhat arrived at Gupkar residence of Mehbooba Mufti early morning on Saturday to pay homage to the late Chief Minister Mufti Muhammad Sayeed. While addressing the mourners there, Bhat said that Mufti was his life time friend and he always treated Mehbooba as his daughter. “Leave aside politics, in fact I had political difference with Mufti Sahab but don’t forget he was my life time friend. Our friendship started from class room and you all know it better we always remember our class mates,” Bhat told mourners.
Bhat recited the verses from ‘Sura Muluk’ and explained how Islam abhors animosity and laid stress upon the friendship and brotherhood. “Our thoughts and ideas may differ and we are all humans. Mufti Sahab and I were never on the same page when it came to politics. Our ideologies were poles apart but our hearts always beat for Kashmir,” he said.Bhat said Kashmir has lost a great and sensitive leader. “Right from his (Mufti’s) student days, he was a curious listener and who talked very less. He mediated a lot and never reacted instantly to anyone. He was gem and great human being who just wanted to put a balm on the wounds of Kashmiri people,” Bhat said.Giving all credit to Mufti for bringing India and Pakistan closer to each other, Bhat said that Mufti was the sole Kashmiri leader who left no stone unturned in persuading and motivating Indian leadership to come on table with Pakistan. “It were his efforts that Atal Bihari Vajpayee visited Kashmir and extended hand of friendship with Pakistan. If India is willing to talk to Pakistan on Kashmir it is all because of Mufti Muhamamd Sayeed,” he said adding that friends always live in heart. (CNS)