Jammu: Mohammad Abbas Ansari, the founder of Ittihadul Muslimeen and senior leader of All Party Hurriyat Conference in Kashmir Valley, passed away today at his residence in Srinagar after a prolonged illness. Former Jammu and Kashmir CM and PDP President Mehbooba Mufti has expressed grief over his death.

Family sources said that Abbas Ansari was not keeping well for a long time and his health was deteriorating for a few days. He told that he breathed his last this morning at his residence in the Nawakadal area. His last rites will be performed after Zuhr prayer and he will be buried in his native graveyard. Recently Abbas Ansari was admitted to SKIMS Soura. A few days ago, National Conference President and MP Dr Farooq Abdullah and their party President Mohammad Altaf Bukhari had gone to meet him to know about his health. Ansari has also been the former chairman of the All Party Hurriyat Conference. He is known as a moderate separatist leader in the Valley.

Mehbooba Mufti has condoled his death. Mehbooba Mufti said, 'Maulana Abbas Ansari lived a life dedicated to peace and Islam. He was a strong supporter of unity. He led a pious and humble life. He has left behind a rich legacy etched in the hearts and minds of the people of Kashmir. May God bless him.'

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