Leaders cutting across the political spectrum today condoled the death of Jammu and 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 and 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 and 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."
79-year old Sayeed died today at AIIMS.
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.
Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said he was deeply
pained to learn of Sayeed's demise. "He was known for his love for common people, especially the underprivileged."
The Home Minister, who met Sayeed's family in AIIMS soon after his death, said "Mufti Sayeed ji had a wonderful understanding of complex issues pertaining to J&K. He wanted to bring permanent peace to the Valley."
The demise of Mufti Sayeed is an "irreparable loss" to Jammu and Kashmir. His departure has also left a big void in national politics, he said.
Congress President Sonia Gandhi also expressed grief over the demise of Mufti as she communicated her condolences to his wife and Mehbooba Mufti.
"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, she said Mufti's contribution as a "humanist and to public life in various capacities will forever be remembered."
Deputy Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Nirmal Singh said the state will miss Mufti in its governance and political pursuits.
"It is a very sad news. We wanted him to guide us. Like he was doing in the last ten months. Now it has come as a great shock for the government as well as the state. He was a national leader. He was having a vision not only in terms of Jammu and Kashmir but also of India....(it was) his inclusive approach and it was for the first time that the people of Jammu and Kashmir were feeling that it was our government.
"This government which believes in transparency...It was here...But unfortunately he is not amongst us. We were wishing early recovery for him but unfortunately this was not possible. It is very sad for us," he said
Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah condoled the death of Sayeed. "Just heard the terrible news of Mufti Sahib's passing away. I'm shocked and deeply saddened. May he rest in peace," he said in a tweet. He visited AIIMS and offered his condolences to the family.
Former Union Minister Farooq Abdullah also condoled the death of Sayeed.
CPI-M leader in the state Mohammed Yusuf Tarigami also condoled the death of Sayeed and said "the state had lost a leader who had given valuable contribution for building peace in the region".
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.
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Union Minister Arun Jaitley said he was saddened by the death of Sayeed.
"He (Mufti) has passed away when the country and the state (J&K) needed him the most.A true statesman amongst the politicians of the current era," he said in a tweet.
Minister of State for I and B Rajyavardhan Rathore said he was shocked to know about the demise of Sayeed.
"Saddened to hear about Mufti Sahab's demise. Wishing his family peace and strength during this difficult time," HRD minister Smriti Irani tweeted.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Venkaiah Naidu called Mufi an able administrator and a nationalist.
"The sudden demise of Mufti Mohammad Sayeed is a great loss to the country and particularly to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He was a nationalist and a very able administrator, besides being a person of empathy and understanding.
"Yesterday, I along with Finance Minister Arun Jaitley visited AIIMS where he was hospitalised and enquired about his health condition from his daughter Mehbooba Mufti," he said.
Congress President Sonia Gandhi had visited AIIMS to pay her condolences.
