Srinagar, January 6, 2026: Kashmir pen:
The 17th death anniversary of former Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir and Founder President of the Jammu & Kashmir Awami National Conference (ANC), Late Khawaja Ghulam Mohammad Shah, was solemnly observed today across the Valley with prayers, Fatehkhani and tributes to his legacy of public service and political leadership. 
This morning, Fathekhani was held at the ancestral graveyard of the late leader, where family members, political colleagues, party workers and well-wishers gathered to offer prayers for his departed soul. The emotional congregational prayer at the graveyard underscored Shah Sahib’s enduring place in the hearts of the people and highlighted the respect he commanded across generations.
Later in the day, a congregational Fateh Khawani took place at his Mazar in Chattabal, Srinagar, followed by a commemorative function at the ANC party headquarters. Leaders and activists paid rich tributes, recalling his decades-long contribution to the political evolution of Jammu & Kashmir. 
Born on July 20, 1920, at Chattabal, Srinagar, Khawaja Ghulam Mohammad Shah—affectionately known as G.M. Shah (Buchh)—was a towering figure in J&K politics for more than five decades. A close associate of Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, he began his political journey at the tender age of 13 and later became a law graduate from Aligarh Muslim University. He also completed a fellowship at the London School of Economics under a United Nations programme. 
Shah Sahib’s dedication to secularism, democracy and equality was reflected in his long years of struggle, including spending nearly 15 years in prison alongside his leader during pivotal moments in Kashmir’s political history. He held key portfolios in government and served as Chief Minister from 1984 to 1986, a period widely regarded as one of the golden eras of administration in the State. 
His tenure saw major development projects, expansion of public infrastructure, and welfare measures that touched the lives of thousands of citizens. Known for his integrity and moral courage, he maintained peace, upheld constitutional values, and chose to relinquish power rather than compromise the rights and dignity of the people. 
The Awami National Conference, under the leadership of Begum Khalida Shah, reiterated its commitment to uphold his legacy by continuing the struggle for the restoration of dignity, constitutional rights, and unity across the diverse cultural fabric of Jammu & Kashmir. 
“Zindagi Mein Tu Raha Bandha Nawaz,
Gamgusar, Mehrban wa Charasaaz.”
This remembrance stands as a lasting tribute to one of Jammu & Kashmir’s most principled leaders | Kashmir Pen
