Srinagar, Aug 15 (KNS): Senior leader Prof Saifuddin Soz on Sunday said that senior political leader Mian Bashiruddin's demise was a great loss to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. 

In a statement, issued to Kashmir News Service (KNS), Soz has said that Mian Bashiruddin remained closely associated with the J&K Pradesh Congress Committee throughout his life. 

“He remained committed to the philosophy of togetherness of all communities and all sections of the society. Whatever the shade of his politics, he maintained a religious aspect of his personality,” Soz said.

“On this occasion, I remember how he joined me as a member of India's Good-Will Hajj Delegation in 1986 which I had led that year. 
I also remember how with great humility, he led prayers for us at Muzdalifa on our way to Arafat for performing Hajj that year. Above everything else, he was a civilised human being with simple habits and good traits in his character. 
May God rest his soul in peace," he said. (KNS)