Former J&K Deputy Chief Minister passes away

Former Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Mangat Ram Sharma died here today after a prolonged illness.

Sharma, 85, is survived by six sons.

"Sharma was not well for the past some time and breathed his last this morning at his residence", Congress Chief Spokesperson Ravinder Sharma said.

He will be cremated tomorrow at Shastri Nagar, the spokesperson said.

The six-time legislator also served as speaker of Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly.

He served as Deputy Chief Minister in the Mufti Mohammad Sayeed led PDP-Congress coalition government and later served as Health Minister in 2006, when Ghulam Nabi Azad took over as Chief Minister of J&K.
 

He also held important positions in the Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee.

Azad, who is here to meet border dwellers, visited his residence and expressed condolence with the family members of Sharma.

The Congress spokesperson said Sharma's death has created a void in the party which can never be filled.

Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Youth Congress Committee deeply condoled the demise of the former Dy CM.

In a condolence message, Pranav Shagotra, President JKPYC, expressed griefover the demise of Mangat Ram Sharma and described him as a great leader who was liked by one and all because of his humility and qualities ofleadership.

A condolence meeting was held by J&K Pradesh Youth Congress here at the Congress headquarters.

While paying tributes to the veteran leader at the meeting, JKPYC leaders remembered his contributions in different capacities to the party and the people during his public life.

Satish Sharma, General secretary JKPYC, remembered the hard work done by Mangat Ram Sharma.

Mangat Ram had great concern for the poor and downtrodden people irrespective of caste, creed, colour, religion or region, he said.

A two-minute silence was observed at the meeting as a mark of respect for the departed soul.