Veteran J

Srinagar/Jammu, June 7 (UNI) Veteran Gujjar leader and vice chairman of Jammu and Kashmir State Advisory Board for Development of Gujjars and Bakerwals Haji Buland Khan died here last night following a prolonged illness.

He was 74. His son, Aijaz Ahmed Khan, is a Minister of State in the Congress-led coalition government in the state.

Khan, a political and social stalwart, was born at Thuru village in Gool-Gulabgarh area of Reasi district in 1933.

He championed the cause of weaker sections of the society, particularly Gujjars and Bakarwals, in the state. The veteran leader had thrice represented Gool-Gulabgarh constituency in the Assembly.

The body of the most popular Gujjar leader of the state was later flown to his native place Dharmari for burial. The state government has announced a three-day mourning as a mark of respect to the departed leader. It also announced a public holiday today.

Jammu and Kashmir Governor Lt Gen (Retd) S K Sinha, Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, his entire Council of Ministers, leaders of all political parties besides social and other organisations expressed grief over the demise of Khan.

In his message, Gen Sinha described late Khan as champion of welfare of Gujjars and Bakerwals. He said the departed leader had rendered stupendous service to the community during his life.

Condoling the death, Mr Azad said late Khan had rendered invaluable service to the downtrodden, particularly Gujjar and Bakerwals. During his life, Khan endeavoured to ameliorate the lot of Gujjars and Bakerwals and also other under-privileged sections of the society in the state.

Mr Azad also attended the 'Nimaz-e-Jinazah (funeral prayers) of the departed leader at his native village.

UNI