Srinagar, January 20 (KNS): Apni Party Vice President Zaffar Iqbal Manhas on Wednesday expressed grief and shock over the demise of and veteran politician and former minister Rafiq Hussain Khan.

In a condolence message issued to news agency-kashmir news service(KNS), Manhas described the deceased as a thorough gentleman, an astute politician and down to earth personality who always raised his voice for the underprivileged sections of the society.

“I was closely associated with Mr. Khan and that relation stretched over 40 years.   During such a long and close association with the deceased, I could see a great leader, a visionary and a tall political leader from Pir Panjal Region who had a grip on the ground,” Manhas added.

He prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul and courage to the bereaved family members to bear this irreparable loss (KNS).