ARIF SHAFI WANI
“Maqbool Bhat was a torch bearer for our struggle for self-determination. New Delhi has no right to deny Kashmiris his mortal remains. On his 25th anniversary we want to remind New Delhi of its legal and moral obligation to return his mortal remains burial according to Islamic tenants,” said vice-president of JKLF, Advocate Bashir Ahmad Bhat while addressing the demonstration at Eidgah. Senior leader of JKLF, Ghulam Rasool Eidhi, said stressed upon the international community to impress upon India to hand over Bhat mortal’s remains. “For 25 years the Martyrs Graveyard is waiting for Bhat’s mortal remains. The Indian leaders were so scared of Bhat’s charisma that they hanged him. We will not sit silently until his mortal remains are laid to rest at Martyrs Graveyard,” Eidi said.  
 The senior leader of JKLF (R), Wajahat Qureshi, said protests against denial of Bhat’s mortal remains to Kashmiris will be held across the Valley, London, US and other foreign countries on Wednesday. “If Bhat’s mortal remain are not handed over to Kashmiris, New Delhi will be responsible for its consequences. We will be forced to launch an agitation,” Qureshi said. 
 The president of High Court Bar Association, Mian Abdul Qayoom termed the denial of Bhat’s mortal remains as unconstitutional. “It is sheer violation of Article 25 of Indian Constitution to deny decent burial. Heavens won’t fall if Bhat’s remains are handed over to his family. He was a towering leader and Kashmiris have emotional attachment with him,” Qayoom said. He said the Bar has filed a petition in the Court for return of Bhat’s remains. 
 Due to Bhat’s contribution of the freedom struggle, his native village has been named as Maqboolabad. Bhat’s sister, Mehmooda, said, “He sacrificed his life for freeing Kashmir from chains of bondage. It is the responsibility of Kashmiris to get his mortal remains. It will be the best way of tribute to the pioneer of Kashmir’s freedom struggle.”  
 Two of Bhat’s brothers met tragic end--Manzoor Ahmad Bhat was killed in a gunfight in 1995, and Ghulam Rasool Bhat died in an accident. His younger brother, Zahoor Ahmad returned to Valley from AJK after 20 years on Wednesday. He has vowed to carry forward Bhat’s mission.