Islamabad: (By Dr. Ghulam Nabi Fai) It is with sadness to announce the demise of Moulana Ghulam Nabi Nowshahri who was suffering from kidney disease for the last few years. He was a parliamentarian, social activist, a Dayee, leader of Jamaat-e-Islami Indian occupied Kashmir and an educationist. He was an observer and a direct participant of Kashmir’s struggle for freedom since early 1950’s. He was an elected member of Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly and a close associate of Syed Ali Geelani and Mohammad Ashraf Sehrayee and represented both of them while residing in Pakistan. He was 80 years old.

I had the honor of meeting with Moulana Nowshahri Sahib on May 23, 2024 during my last visit to Pakistan along with Dr. Waleed Rasool, Professors at Riphah University, Islamabad  and Sanaullah Bhat, a close associate of Nowshahri Sahib and In charge of Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu & Kashmir in Azad Kashmir.

I found Nowshahri Sahib very resolute to mention, “Fai sahib, the people of Kashmir initiated the struggle against Indian occupation. They fully supported it and offered unimaginable sacrifices. They might have made mistakes. After all they are human beings.  But they are determined that they cannot forsake their cherished goal of Azadi.” He continued, “Jamaat-e-Islami tried its best to do whatever they could. But it was banned. Its members were incarcerated for years. Educational institutions were closed down. Now, it is on your shoulder and your colleagues, Dr. Mir Sahib, Dr. Dhaar Sahib, Dr. Roufe Sahib and other colleagues (Sathy) to move the movement forward.”

He became extremely emotional when he said, “Fai Sahib, I may not see you again but my message to all my colleagues is do not let the people of Kashmir down. Hold on to the cause of Kashmir, despite the oppression, suppression and brutality of Indian army.”

Nowshahri Sahib felt little uneasiness when he told us that we should avoid factionalism at all costs. We owe it to our sacred cause that has been consecrated by the blood of more than hundred thousand martyrs. He added that factionalism will bring lasting discredit to all those who are involved in the freedom struggle.

We honor the illustrious life of courage and fearlessness and salute his commitment and dedication for the cause of Kashmir. The people of Kashmir will never forget the selfless contribution and the tireless efforts of Moulana Nowshahri Sahib.  We will miss him a lot! May Allah pace his soul in Jannatul Firdous! Ameen.

(Dr. Fai is also the Chairman, World Forum for Peace & Justice.He can be reached at: WhatsApp: 1-202-607-6435.  Or. gnfai2003@yahoo.com www.kashmirawareness.org)