Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir Mufti Mohammad Sayeed has passed away this morning; he took his last breath in AIIMS at Delhi taking treatment for lung infection from past two weeks. The sad news has shocked the political attire of the country, all the politicians have shown condolence for the departed soul. In the state of Jammu & Kashmir mourning period has been declared for next seven days.
Mufti Mohammad Sayeed who was born on 12th January 1936, died at an age of 79 years. The death of this great Indian politician has brought an end to its 6 decades long political career. He started his political career in late 1950s having joined the Democratic National Conference, before which he was an obscure lawyer.
Sadik recognizing his potential appointed him as the district convener of the party. In 1962, Sayeed was elected in the state assembly from Bijbehara – which was also his birth place. He retained the seat for next five year, later appointed as deputy minister by Sadik. However, after few years Mohammad Sayeed fell out of the party and joined Indian National Congress.
Joining Indian National Congress was a very risky decision for his career, as at that time Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah had unstinted support of Kashmiri population, though Abdullah was in jail.
Considered a judicious organizer, Sayeed endured that his new party keeps a good foothold in the valley, in addition to this Congress has created pockets of staunch support. As a pay back to this in 1972, he became cabinet minister along with congress party leader in legislative council. Couple of year later he was appointed as State President for Congress.
Mufti Mohammad Sayeed came out with another risky decision and fell out from Congress as well in 1987, however was re-introduced in the party by P.V Narsima Rao in 1999, unfortunately Narsima Rao’s government did not last too long and Mufti separated himself from the party. He later founded his own party named as People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in July 1999.
The foundation of PDP has added charm in his career and he became Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir in 2002 to 2005, which also fulfilled his decade’s long dream. It was only last year that Sayeed has sworn as Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, joining hands with BJP.
During his career Sayeed has also faced a hard time when Terrorists kidnapped his daughter Rubaiya, demanding to free five of their terrorist for her freedom.
Mufti Mohammad Sayeed took his last breath on 9.12 A.M on 7th January 2016, thereafter his Daughter Mehbooba Mufti along with other party member rushed to Delhi. In addition to this Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached Palam Airport pay his last tribute to departed soul.
Mufti Mohammad Sayeed will be given his last rites in his ancestral village in Anantnag’s Bijbehara in South Kashmir.
Mufti Sahab's demise leaves a huge void in the nation & in J&K, where his exemplary leadership had a major impact on people's lives. RIP.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 7, 2016
A veteran politician, he had a long & distinguished political career. His loss will be deeply mourned in J&K and across the country
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) January 7, 2016
Shri Mufti Mohammad Sayeed distinguished himself through remarkable political acumen and vision #PresidentMukherjee
— President Mukherjee (@POI13) January 7, 2016
