Witness to the historical events, Srinagar man dies at 110

Bilal Bashir Bhat
Srinagar, Mar 07 (Only Kashmir): Born in 1909, the year 1st National Woman’s Day was observed in the United States, Abdul Gaffar Kanue a resident of Srinagar passed away at the age of 110 on 07th March 2019, a day before Woman’s Day is now being observed globally.
An eyewitness to many historical facts happened over the last century in Sub-continent particular, Abdul Gaffar Kanue popularly known as ‘Lala Soab’ was presently residing in Khyam area of Srinagar city.
Besides witnessing the emergence of Pakistan after India’s partition in 1947, Gaffar was 5-yrs-old when World War I broke, at the age of 30 i.e. in 1939 he witnessed the World War II.



Coming back to our part of world, Gaffar was also part of Maulana Yousuf Sahib (RA) movement against the autocratic rule in Kashmir. Being a very revered person and humble nature Gaffar also took part in restoration work of Kashmir’s historical Jamia Masjid carried out under the reign of Maharaja Pratap Singh (1885-1925).
Gaffar has been quoted by several media agencies in respect of the July 13, 1931 incident in which 22 people were killed and hundreds injured by the orders of the then Mahraja of state Jammu and Kashmir.
One of his grandchildren, Bilal Bhat, a journalist by profession and Chairman Jammu and Kashmir Youth Civil society says with his demise we all now missing his incredible dedication to a healthy life and wisdom which he gained over the years.
“He used to tell us stories of his youth, which also reflected the history, events, and changes of those times, we all will miss him terribly,” the heartbroken Bilal Bhat said while talking with Onlykashmir[dot]in.
Pertinently, Gaffar is survived by 7 daughters and one son.