leaders cutting across the political spectrum on Thursday condoled the death of Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, describing him as a leader with remarkable political acumen and a statesman who provided a “healing touch” to the State.
In his message to Sayeed’s daughter Mehbooba Mufti, President Pranab Mukherjee said, “I am sad to learn about the passing away of your father, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir.”
“Sayeed was a colleague of long years. He distinguished himself through remarkable political acumen and vision. Throughout his life, Sayeed worked for the socio-political transformation and betterment of Jammu and Kashmir. In his passing away, we have lost an outstanding public figure who was always in touch with the grassroots of society,” he said.
Sayeed’s contribution to Jammu & Kashmir and India through years of public service will be always remembered, he said. Vice-President Hamid Ansari, in his message, said, “An eminent statesman and a popular leader, Sayeed made immense contribution to the progress and welfare of Jammu and Kashmir. He was a consensus builder and always placed the nation’s interest ahead of every other consideration. His death is an irreparable loss to the people of India.”
Condoling his death, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “Mufti Sahab’s demise leaves a huge void in the nation and in Jammu and Kashmir, where his exemplary leadership had a major impact on people’s lives. RIP.”
“What stood out about Mufti Sahab was his statesmanship. In his long political journey he won many admirers across the political spectrum. Mufti Sahab provided a healing touch to J&K through his leadership. He will be missed by all of us. Condolences to his family and supporters”, Modi tweeted.
Congress President Sonia Gandhi also expressed grief over the demise of Mufti as she communicated her condolences to his wife, daughter Mehbooba Mufti and other well-wishers. “In his death, the state of Jammu and Kashmir as indeed the entire nation has lost a great leader,” she said.
Recalling his long association with the Congress party, she said Mufti’s contribution as a “humanist and to public life in various capacities will forever be remembered.”
BJP President Amit Shah said he was “deeply saddened” on hearing the news of Mufti’s death as he called him a “rare politician.” “Many condolences to his family and supporters in this hour of grief,” Shah said.
Minister of State in the PMO Jitendra Singh said the country has lost one of the last surviving veterans from the first generation of post-Independence politicians and statesmen in India. Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan, who was a cabinet colleague of Sayeed in the VP Singh Government, said he never compromised with the principles and national integrity. “Mufti sahib was the man of great vision, his death is great loss to nation and specially to Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.