Muzaffarabad, Azad Kashmir (PaJK) – The capital city of Pakistan-administered Kashmir has lost one of its most enigmatic souls. Liaqat Sain, a wandering mystic known for dragging an iron pot (degcha) through the streets, passed away under mysterious circumstances, leaving behind a legacy of quiet intrigue and urban folklore.
A Man of the Streets, A Legend of the City
For years, Liaqat Sain was a fixture in Muzaffarabad’s bustling Shuhada Chowk (Shaukat Line). Clad in tattered clothes, he would abruptly stop vehicles with a silent gesture, climb aboard without a word, and motion for the driver to proceed. His presence alone drew crowds—some out of curiosity, others out of reverence.
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His trademark was the iron pot tied to a rope, which he dragged behind him like a wandering ascetic. Locals recall how he would occasionally pause at his usual spots, where people would gather to offer him tea or food. He rarely spoke, yet his silence spoke volumes.
Sudden Disappearance, a Tragic End
Liaqat Sain went missing just before Eidul al-Adha 2025, sparking whispers across the city. Five days later, his body was discovered near Golra Morr, Rawalpindi, in Pakistan under unclear circumstances. His death has left a void in Muzaffarabad’s cultural tapestry, where he was as much a part of the city’s identity as its rivers and mountains.
The Mystic’s Life: Between Folklore and Reality
Legends swirled around him—some saw him as a saint, others as a madman. But to most, he was simply “Sain,” an innocent soul wandering between worlds. After a past accident left him with a broken leg, he abandoned dragging his pot but never abandoned his attachment to it, often seen sitting beside it in Shaukat Line.
A City in Mourning
Muzaffarabad, a city accustomed to political shifts and power struggles, now mourns a different kind of loss—the departure of a man who belonged to no one and yet was a part of everyone’s daily life. Similar figures, like Hussaini Shah in Kotli, continue to roam Kashmir’s streets, but Liaqat Sain’s absence is deeply felt.
Final Prayers for a Free Spirit
As news of his death spreads, social media is flooded with tributes. “He was truly a free soul,” one resident wrote. Another added, “The streets of Muzaffarabad will feel empty without him.”
May his soul find peace—a man who lived without chains, and died leaving behind only legends.
