Srinagar, April 13 (KNS): Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Tuesday expressed deep shock and grief over the demise of noted social activist and Apni Party leader who passed away after a brief spell of illness here at a Srinagar hospital.

A resident of Bubernag-Kupwara, the deceased had retired as Chief Planning Officer and had joined Apni Party recently.

In a condolence message issued to Kashmir News Service, Bukhari described the demise of Mr Shah as a huge personal loss that has created a void hard to be filled. “Late Shah Saheb was a longtime associate of our family and shared closely knit family relations with us. His passing away is a personal loss for my family, Party and especially for the area he belonged to,” Bukhari observed.

He said that the deceased was known for his integrity during his stint in the government services and had a yearning for the public welfare for which he had joined hands with Apni Party recently. Bukhari said that Late Shah Saheb had a deep desire to see his home town developed on modern lines. “I am really honored to have had him in Apni Party and I would always cherish his memorable association as a family friend and a party colleague for times to come,” Apni Party president remarked.

He said: “Late Shah Saheb would be remembered for his kind and humane nature.  On behalf of my family, and the Party, I convey my heartfelt condolences and stand in solidarity with his bereaved family, friends, relatives and acquaintances. I pray to Almighty Allah to give eternal peace to his departed soul.” Bukhari also prayed for courage to the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss.

Meanwhile, Party senior vice president Ghulam Hassan Mir, Party senior leader Mohammad Dilawar Mir, District President Kupwara Raja Manzoor, District Vice President Kupwara Abdul Rashid Bhat, District Vice President Kupwara Abdul Rahim Wani and District Secretary Kupwara Bilal Arif have condoled the demise and expressed solidarity with the bereaved family. (KNS)