Srinagar, Sep 30 (KNS) : J&K Peoples Conference today remembered veteran leader and revered Islamic scholar Maulana Mohammad Iftikhar Hussain Ansari on his 12th death anniversary, with the party's entire leadership paying floral tributes to the late leader.

Party President and Handwara MLA Sajad Gani Lone led the leadership in offering homage, recalling Maulana Ansari's towering personality, scholarship and lifelong service to the people.

In a heartfelt statement, Lone said that twelve years have passed since Maulana Ansari left this world, yet his memory remains fresh in the hearts of those who knew him.

Describing him as an Islamic scholar who transcended geographical borders, Lone said Maulana Ansari was a highly regarded and respected voice in Central Asia. His desire to serve the people, he said, drew him into politics, where he spent an entire lifetime uplifting the most downtrodden sections of society.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

"He is remembered as a top leader of Jammu and Kashmir, a fearless leader who excelled in the art of articulation," Lone said.

Speaking on a personal note, Lone said Maulana Ansari was an elderly father figure to him. "He was very kind to me and treated me like a son," he said, adding that he had the opportunity to accompany the late leader abroad on multiple occasions.

"I will always cherish the long conversations I had with him. Maulana sahib was full of life and every conversation with him was memorable and unique," Lone said.

Senior party leaders and functionaries who joined in paying floral tributes remembered Maulana Ansari's contribution to public life, his fearless leadership and his enduring legacy of service to the marginalised.

Lone concluded his tribute with a prayer, "May Allah grant him Jannat."(KNS)