Suhail Rather
Bandipora, Nov 16: Bandipora on Sunday mourned the death of one of its most respected elders, Haji Mustafa, the town’s first Patwari and a key figure in implementing the master plan that rebuilt Bandipora after the devastating fire of the 1960s.
He passed away at the age of 94 after a brief illness.
For many in Bandipora, Haji Mustafa was not just a government official but a central figure in the town’s modern history.
When the massive fire of 1963–64 reduced Bandipora market and residential clusters to ashes, he became one of the key hands behind the reconstruction.
Under the master plan drafted by the then Prime Minister of J&K, Bakshi Ghulam Muhammad, he worked on the ground to execute the new layout, assist displaced families, and restore land and revenue records with fairness and transparency to his best.
Residents recall that his calm temperament and meticulous work shaped the Bandipora that stands today —from the realignment of markets to the rehabilitation of traders and households. Many elders still credit him for ensuring that the reconstruction was carried out with honesty “at a time when people had nothing left.”
Beginning his career as Bandipora’s first revenue official, Haji Mustafa served for about two decades and retired as Patwari in 1989.
Known for his humility and soft-spoken nature, he remained a trusted figure in the community long after his retirement.
His passing triggered an outpouring of grief across the district. Hundreds turned up to attend his Nimaz-e-Jinaza in Quil, led by Mufti Bilal Sahib — a reflection of the goodwill he earned over a lifetime of service.
Haji Mustafa is survived by his family, including his son Bashir Ahmad Shah, proprietor of Gee Emm Bakery.
Prayers were held for the departed soul, with residents remembering him as a symbol of sincerity, compassion and commitment.
