The demise of Sampat Prakash is widely mourned in the Kashmir valley even as scores of Muslims thronged to his residence in Srinagar district to express solidarity with the bereaved family.
Eyewitnesses told The Kashmiriyat that scores of Muslims and Sikhs thronged the residence of Sampat Prakash in Srinagar to bid a farewell to the 85-year-old who passed away due to cardiac arrest on Saturday afternoon.
Awami National Conference president, Muzaffar Shah visited the residence of the deceased and defined Sampat Prakash as a nationalist saying, “He never left Kashmir because Kashmir lived in his blood till, he breathed his last.”
On Sunday, leaders of business community, trade unions visited his residence in large numbers. Sampat Prakash’s last rites will be performed at Karan Nagar in Srinagar at 3 p.m.
Politicians including former Chief Ministers, assembly members have expressed grief over the passing of the activist who advocated inter-faith dialogue between Kashmiris and vocally supported the demand for restoration of Articles 35A and 370.
Spokesperson of People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration, MY Tarigami said that he was “deeply” pained over the passing away of veteran trade union leader Sampath Prakash.
“He made an immense contribution to the trade union movement. He was in the front row of leaders who organised the 1967 general strike of employees along with Abdul Majeed Khan, Shishopal and others,” MY Tarigami said.
Prakash remained steadfast for the cause of working class and low paid employees. On June 9, I visited him to enquire about the health of his wife and exchanged views over a host of issues. He was very concerned about the welfare of people, he added.
“He will always be remembered for his dedication and unwavering commitment to the cause of exploited and excluded. His death has created an eternal void,” he said.
Mehbooba Mufti the former Chief Minister of Jammu Kashmir said, “Very sorry to hear about the sudden demise of veteran trade leader & an advocate of civil liberties Sampat Prakash ji. As a child, I remember him being a frequent visitor at KD Sethi sahab’s house in Jammu. Deepest condolences to his family.”
Sajad Lone of People’s Conference said, Sampat Prakash was a firebrand trade union leader. As a school going kid have seen him marching on the streets. He was secular to the core. May he rest in peace.”
Other than prominent politicians, Kashmiris have equally expressed their respect for Sampat Prakash, who was a fierce campaigner for political rights to Kashmiris. In fact, he is arguably the only leader from Kashmiri Pandit community who received massive love from Kashmiri Muslims and Sikhs alike.
Angad Singh Khalsa, a Kashmiri Sikh responding to Sampat’s death said, “Rest in peace Sampat Parkash saab you will be always alive in people’s hearts.”
Rest in peace ♥️🙏 Sampat Parkash saab you will be always alive in people’s heart pic.twitter.com/AbxJJq1TR7
— ANGAD SINGH KHALSA (@ASkhalsa084) July 1, 2023
Mohammed Amir Malik, a social media user responding to Sampat Prakah’s death tweeted, “May Your soul rest in peace.Veteran trade leader Sampat Prakash is no more. I have a great respect for him.”
May Your soul rest in peace.Veteran trade leader Sampat Prakash is no more. I have a great respect for him. #sampatprakash #kashmir pic.twitter.com/XZKOG7axVR
— Aamir Malik ُمحمد َعاِمر َماَلک (@AamirMalikz) July 1, 2023
“In Sampat Prakash Sahab’s demise Kashmir lost a true son of soil. A man who stood for the rights of every individual and fought it with all his might from streets to courts. You will remembered for ever,” wrote Mohit Bhan.
In Sampat Prakash Sahab's demise Kashmir lost a true son of soil.
A man who stood for the rights of every individual and fought it with all his might from streets to courts.
You will remembered for ever.Om Shanti Om Sadgati 🙏 pic.twitter.com/whLGZhEdRW
— Mohit Bhan موہت بھان (@buttkout) July 1, 2023