Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed, admitted in AIIMS for past 14 days, passed away on Thursday.
79-year-old Sayeed, detected with sepsis, decreased blood counts and pneumonia, was admitted to the hospital on December 24, with complains of neck pain and fever. Sources in the hospital said that Sayeed was put on ventilator support as he was having breathing problems because of infection in the lungs.
Since then, he was in the Intensive Care Unit of AIIMS as his platelets dropped dangerously low. He respiratory support and that his condition was being closely monitored by the team of experts at AIIMS.
Sayeed took over as chief minister of PDP-BJP coalition on March 1 last year. His health had sparked off speculation that there could be a possible change of guard.
His daughter Mehbooba Mufti is set to be the next chief minister of the state. Sayeed had himself hinted last November during a press conference in Jammu that he would like to hand over the reins to his daughter Mehbooba Mufti.
President Pranab Mukherjee, PM Narendra Modi, J&K former CM Omar Abdullah, Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal have expressed sadness over his death.
Contribution of Mufti Mohammad Sayeed to J & K and India through long years of public service will be always remembered #PresidentMukherjee
— President of India (@RashtrapatiBhvn) January 7, 2016
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. RIP.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 7, 2016
Just heard the terrible terrible news of Mufti Sahib’s passing away. I’m shocked & deeply saddened. May he rest in peace.
— Omar Abdullah (@abdullah_omar) January 7, 2016
Extremely saddened to learn of the passing away of Mufti Mohammad Sayeed Saab. My condolences to his family and supporters
— Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) January 7, 2016
V sad to hear abt Shri Mufti Mohd. Sayeed’s demise. May his soul rest in peace. Heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) January 7, 2016
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