Srinagar, Oct 30(KNS): Mirwaiz Umar Farooq  expressed extreme sadness and grief at the passing away of Mohammad Maqbool shah ,close personal associate of the Mirwaiz  and late Shaheed-e -Millat and the family, for the last more than 65 years.

Famously known as “Magga Chacha” in  political,  social and journalistic circles , where he was well  known  through his association with the Mirwaiz , his death is being widely mourned.

Mirwaiz in a statement said that his death has deeply grieved him and his family whom he most sincerely and devotedly served for the last six decades . Mirwaiz said that late Mohd Maqbool was a ‘one man army’- agile and dependable, always ready to do any task assigned to him,  which he accomplished come what may.

A resolute and spirited man his devotion was unparalleled. He will be greatly missed. Appointed  way back in 1960’s as an assistant to  president Anjumam e Nusratul Islam and Anjuman Auqaf e Jamia Masjid late Mohd Maqbool worked dedicatedly first with shaheed e Millat, and after his shahadat with Mirwaiz Umar till his death.

Also as  an important member of the press and media wing of JK Awami Action Committee ,he  would carry press statements and other related materials to press and media, a job he was most deft at , and ensure it got printed and broadcast,  despite facing all odds.
But most unfortunately Mirwaiz Umar Farooq was not allowed to participate in the funeral prayers of this dear old associate and pay him his last respects as he continues to be under house detention.

But hundreds of people including members of Mirwaiz family , leaders and activists of AAC and members of Anjuman nusratul islam and Anjuman Auqaf Jamia masjid participated in his Nimaze Janaza and bid him a tearful farewell.(KNS).