Ram Vilas Paswan, Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution on Thursday condoled death of Mufti Mohd Sayeed, Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir.
In his condolence message, Paswan said, "Mufti Sahib was a man of great vision. He always worked to strengthen democratic values. His demise is great loss for the nation, especially for J&K. His exemplary leadership and passion for people's welfare will be remembered long."
Sayeed breathed his last at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in the national capital early this morning.
Jammu and Kashmir government today announced a seven-day mourning period in state as a mark of respect to Mufti Mohammed Sayeed.
Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Minister of State in Prime Minister's Office (PMO) Jitendra Singh will attend Sayeed's funeral in Srinagar.
Meanwhile, the PDP has hinted that party president Mehbooba Mufti would take over as the next Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir.
Sayeed, who was born in 1936 in Bijbehara, Jammu and Kashmir, had previously served as Chief Minister from 2002 to 2005. He was also the Home Minister of India from December 1989 to November 1990.
He had founded the Jammu and Kashmir People's Democratic Party in 1999.
