26/01/2026
Not a Government Officer.
Yet the Peopleās Administration: Gulab Bagh Mourns Gh Hassan Bhat
Srinagar | QNSTv Special Report
A deep silence fell over Gulab Bagh yesterday morningā¦ the kind of silence that follows not an ordinary death, but the departure of a man who was more than a person, more than a name, more than a resident.
Ghulam Hassan Bhat, proudly remembered as the āPride of Gulab Bagh,ā breathed his last yesterday morning after a prolonged illness, leaving behind a community shaken, heartbroken and emotionally shattered.
Gulab Bagh did not merely lose a citizen.
Gulab Bagh lost a guardian.
A Towering personalityā¦ an irreplaceable loss
Late Gh. Hassan Bhat was a towering personality, a noble soul, a kind-hearted human being and a committed social activist. He was a man of deep vision, known for his wisdom, calm temperament and unmatched spirit of service.
He lived for people.
He stood for people.
And he belonged to people.
His loss has created a vacuum that can never be filled.
A personal loss for QNSTv
Late Ghulam Hassan Bhat was also the real cousin of Meer Altaf Hussain, the Editor-in-Chief of QNSTv.
For the QNSTv family, this is not only a news of grief, but a personal and emotional loss that has shaken hearts.
The man who became the solution
In Gulab Bagh, people often used one phrase whenever problems arose:
āGo to Hassan Bhatā¦ he will sort it out.ā
And truly, he was the solution to every problem.
Whether it was a dispute between families, a conflict between mohallas, or a matter demanding social wisdom and administrative understanding, Gh. Hassan Bhat never refused anyone.
He listened.
He guided.
He resolved.
He healed.
Influence equal to an MLA or even a Minister
What made him exceptional was not only his kindnessā¦ but his rare ability to deliver results.
People of Gulab Bagh often say that he carried the influence and strength of an MLA or even a Minister.
Important public decisions and welfare discussions would often take place with his guidance.
He had the capability to know:
ā¢ which department should be approached
ā¢ which public issue needs urgent attention
ā¢ how to use lawful administrative channels effectively
ā¢ how public welfare can be secured without conflict
His role in strengthening public services
From health-related support to electricity issues to agriculture assistance, he played a key role in facilitating public welfare and bringing relief to common people.
He was not a government officer, but he worked like an unofficial administration of the people.
The peacekeeper of Gulab Bagh
Late Gh. Hassan Bhatās role remained historic in disputes between mohallas and localities.
Even in serious matters including disputes related to Grey Ward, he acted like a shield between people and conflict.
He never allowed division to win.
He always ensured unity.
Many residents say openly:
āIf Hassan Bhat had not stepped in, some disputes could have turned into permanent rivalries.ā
A farewell that shook the locality
Yesterday, grief was not limited to one family. It spread across the entire area.
Tears were not only in homesā¦ they were on streets.
People were asking only one question:
āWho will guide us now?ā
Hundreds of relatives, friends, admirers and residents of Gulab Bagh participated in the farewell, reflecting how deeply people loved, respected and depended on him.
This was not just a funeral.
It was the farewell of an era.
QNSTv Mourns
The entire team of QNSTv deeply mourns the demise of Ghulam Hassan Bhat and expresses heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.
We pray to Allah Almighty to grant eternal peace to the departed soul, bless him with Jannatul Firdous, and grant patience, courage and strength to the family to bear this irreparable loss.
Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilaihi Rajiāun.
