Well-known educationist VP AMK Atiqa Bano passes away

Srinagar, Oct 5: Jammu and Kashmir Adbee Markaz Kamraz vice-president and well known educationist Atiqa Bano passed away following a prolonged illness at Sopore in north Kashmir. She was 76. Popularly known as Behanji, Atiqa had retired as Director Libraries and Research after serving in the education department as Joint Director. Also a heritage and language lover, Atiqa founded first of kind heritage museum in private sector “Meeras Mahal” at Sopore. She also founded a chain of education institutions and contributed a lot in empowerment of women. She was also founder of Majlis-un-Nisa the first ever women exclusive organisation in north Kashmir. As vice-president of AMK, Atiqa played an important role in shaping up its language movement. She brought a change in the organisation by leading group of women who became equal partners in the movement. Atiqa passed away on Wednesday. The last rites will be held on Thursday at Sopore. AMK president Dr Shujaat Bukhari, vice-president Farooq Rafiabadi, general secretary Mohammad Amin Bhat and entire executive and general body have expressed shock over her death and prayed for the soul. "It is a huge loss for all of us and is unbearable. She was our leading light and inspiration" said Dr Bukhari. UNI