New Delhi: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed died this morning at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) where he was admitted for the past 15 days.
The Chief Minister breathed his last around 7.30 AM, Education Minister and spokesman for Government Nayeem Akhter said.
Sayeed, 79, is survived by his wife, three daughters including PDP President Mehbooba Mufti, and a son.
The mortal remains of the Chief Minister would be flown to Srinagar where the body will be kept for people to have the last glimpse of their leader. He is likely be buried in his ancestral village in South Kashmir.
Sayeed was admitted with complaints of fever and neck pain on December 24 after which the doctors at AIIMS diagnosed him to have sepsis, decreased blood counts and pneumonia.
He was in the Intensive Care Unit of AIIMS and during hospitalisation his platelets had dropped dangerously low. For the past few days, the Chief Minister was on a ventilator.
Sayeed took over as chief minister of PDP-BJP coalition on March 1 last year.
Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh met the family of Sayeed in hospital.
“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. 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 & supporters,” tweeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“Just heard the terrible terrible news of Mufti Sahib’s passing away. I’m shocked & deeply saddened. May he rest in peace,” National Conference leader and former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir Omar Abdullah tweeted.
Omar said, “My heart felt sympathies to Mrs Syed, Mehbooba and the entire family in this most difficult of times. My and my family’s prayers are with them.”
“Mufti ji was a visionary leader dedicated entire life to a united strong Jammu and Kashmir and India. His demise at a crucial juncture saddening, said BJP National General Secretary , Ram Madhav.
“Sorry to hear about the sad demise of Mufti Saheb. A great Leader and a greater Human Being. We shall all miss him. May his Soul rest in Peace,” tweeted Digvijaya Singh.
I had special attachment with Mufti sahab. His saddening demise is a huge loss for Indian politics, siad Congress spokesperson Meem Afzal
“Deeply pained to learn of J&K CM Shri Mufti Mohd. Sayeed’s demise.He was known for his love for common people, specially the underprivileged. 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 Shri Mufti Sayeed is an irreparable loss to Jammu and Kashmir. His departure has also left a big void in national politics,” tweeted Home minister Rajnath Singh.