The central government on Thursday mourned the death of Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed and decided to accord him a state funeral. The Ministry of Home Affairs said that the national flag will fly at half mast across the country on Thursday, reported PTI. The Jammu and Kashmir government also announced a seven-day mourning period in state as a mark of respect. He will be buried in Dara Shikoh Garden in Bijbehara, 45 kilometres from Srinagar.
Sayeed, 79, died at Delhi's All India Institute of Medical Sciences hospital in the morning following a prolonged illness. He was admitted to the hospital on December 24 after complaining of neck pain and fever. The Peoples Democratic Party leader was put on ventilator support on Wednesday after his condition deteriorated, reported NDTV. Sayeed is survived by his wife, three daughters and a son, reported PTI.
Sayeed took over as chief minister of the state on March 1 last year after his PDP formed a coalition with the Bharatiya Janata Party. In November last year, he had hinted that he would like his daughter and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti to succeed him. Mehbooba Mufti has made no announcement so far regarding the succession plans.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid his respects on Twitter:
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