Srinagar : Mir Gh Qadir a former minister and a political legend of yesteryears passed away on 29th March (Tuesday) 2022. He will be remembered long for his contributions to J&K mainstream politics and development of entire Kupwara district. Below is the brief summary of his life history:-
12th June, in the year 1931, in a reputed Zaldar family at Loan Harie, District Kupwara, a noble soul by the name of “Mir Ghulam Qadir” was born. He lost his father Ab Ahad Mir when he was just a baby in cradle. He was then brought up by his uncle, Haji Ahmed Mir (Zaldar) of the area. Haji Ahmed Mir was a pious person and was known for his helpful attitude towards the poor/orphan and downtrodden class of society. He inculcated all his good habits in this little boy from his childhood. Gh Qadir carried forward his uncle’s legacy and he proved himself and got to be known as a pious person with highly gentle habits and outstandingly good moral character. He was given higher education and passed his LL.B from ALIGARH MUSLIM University in good position. He was then enrolled as a lawyer and started practice in District Court Baramullah/Kupwara. He was regarded one amongst the top civil lawyers. He was also elected as President Bar Association. During this period, noting a strong public following and recognizing his abilities and a strong desire to help the people, he joined politics under the dynamic leadership of Sher-i-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah in “MAHAZ RAI SHUMARI”. After Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah was jailed, knowing the dedication and honesty of Mr. Mir, the party leadership nominated him as “PRESIDENT J&K MAHAZ RAI SHUMARI”. He performed his role as President for three long years under a turbulent situation, remaining underground most of the times while working for the party. He was also jailed for two years along with first runner leadership of the party, including “SHEIKH SAHIB” for his political activities.
In the year 1975, after Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah took up the reigns of J&K state as Chief Minister, Mir Gh Qadir was again given higher responsibilities and was elected as Chairman SCARDB (J&K State Co-operative Agriculture & Rural Development Bank). During the 1977 General Elections, he was picked up by the party leadership and nominated as Candidate for the biggest erstwhile Assembly Segment – Karnah, which includes present day Kupwara constituency as well, and got elected as MLA with a thumping majority of votes. Due to his good reputation and honesty, Sheikh Sahib inducted him in his Cabinet, which continued as such till 1982. His gentle behaviour and sympathetic attitude towards the poor is even today remembered by one and all. Having earned unbeatable confidence of Sheikh Sahib, Mr. Mir during his tenure as Minister under the charismatic leadership of Sheikh Sahib, made remarkable developments in the area in all sectors, be it education/ agriculture/ irrigation/ human resources/ health or road connectivity, which remains incomparable even to this day. Residents of the area and people in general still remember his contribution and zeal for development. It was during his tenure as minister that a long pending demand of new district of Kupwara was met. After the death of late Mohammad Abdullah, Dr Farooq Abdullah too trusted his dedication and nominated him again for candidature for the said Assembly Segment in the year 1983. Besides being a dedicated political leader, Mr. Mir was also a good administrator. Being so, Dr. Farooq Abdullah, Party President and Chief Minister J&K, expressing his regard to the honesty/dedication and ability of Mr. Mir, chose him and he was elected as Chairman J&K State Co-operative Bank. It was during his tenure that the bank became a profitable institution and came out of the Red-Zone. During past some time, his health was not well. He expired on 29th March 2022, leaving behind his wife and children. He is father of Nazir Ahmed Mir, KAS, Managing Director J&K State Cable Car Corporation (Rtd) and is also father-in-law of Jahangir Mir, KAS, Dy Commissioner/Director General YSS J&K (Rtd). “Kashmir Horizon” prays for his eternal peace.
