Srinagar: Eminent Shia cleric and MLA of opposition PDP in Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Moulvi Iftikhar Hussain Ansari died on Tuesday following prolonged illness.
A four-time MLA from Pattan in North Kashmir, Ansari, 74, died in the wee hours on Tuesday after battling a liver ailment for more than a year, his family said. He is survived by wife, two sons and a daughter. Starting his career as a Congress leader in early 1960’s, Ansari was made Member of state’s Legislative Council on a Congress ticket in 1973. However, he switched over to Janata Party in 1977.
Condoling his death, Omar said his contributions both as a religious leader and public representative will be remembered for a very long time.
“My heartfelt condolences to the family and followers of Moulvi Iftikhar Ansari. His untimely demise has left a void that will be long felt,” Omar said.
“Moulvi Sahib has cast a long shadow with his contribution as a religious leader and as a public representative, which will be long remembered,” he added.
Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha and former Chief Minister, Ghulam Nabi Azad condoled demise of Ansari
Upon hearing the news of his death, thousands of Ansari’s supporters thronged his residence at Qammarwari in the city. Many areas, dominated by Shias, shutdown as a mark of respect to the departed leader. (PTI)