GANDERBAL: Juma Khan, a respected and beloved social personality in Ganderbal, passed away on Wednesday, leaving behind a legacy of community service, spiritual healing and family unity. He was 90.
Born in the early 1930s, Juma Khan’s life spanned nearly a century of change, growth, and service. He began his career in public service by joining the police force in 1960. However, deeply affected by the events of the 1965 Indo-Pak war, he made a pivotal decision just five years later to resign from his post. In 1965, he transitioned into the field of construction, working as a contractor—a profession that allowed him to contribute to the development of his community in a new and meaningful way.
Beyond his roles in public service and construction, Khan was widely known and respected as a traditional faith healer. Locals often sought his help for various ailments, and he was especially renowned for his knowledge of “manthar” (traditional incantations) used in healing snake bites, scorpion stings, toothaches, and other common ailments. His deep understanding of these remedies, passed down through generations, made him a vital figure in the community’s health and spiritual well-being.
Juma Khan was not only a community leader but also the central figure of his extensive family. He is survived by five children, who have together raised 70 grandchildren. Despite the size of his lineage, Juma Khan remained the unchallenged head of the family, deeply respected by all generations for his wisdom, guidance, and unwavering principles.
His death marks the end of an era. Residents of the area have expressed profound grief and shared memories of his selfless service, spiritual support, and the unifying presence he provided within his family and the broader community.
Funeral prayers were attended by a large number of people from across the region, including local leaders, elders, and community members.