Srinagar, Jan 07: Senior People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leader Zaffer Mir (Lasjan) on Tuesday paid rich tributes to former Chief Minister J&K Mufti Mohammad Sayeed on his 9th death anniversary and stated that whose legacy is an enduring testament to the transformative power of vision and pragmatism.
In his statement, Mir said Mufti Sahib stood as a paragon of leadership, committed to reshaping the destiny of Jammu & Kashmir through reconciliation, dialogue and inclusive governance.
“His statesmanship was rooted in a profound understanding of the socio-political complexities of Jammu & Kashmir. He rejected the polarizing paradigms of power politics, instead embracing a reconciliatory approach that sought to bridge divides and cultivate trust,” he said.
Mir said that “His(Mufti Sahib’s) visionary credo—“Na Bandook Se, Na Goli Se; Baat Banegi Boli Se”—articulated his conviction that sustainable peace could only be achieved through meaningful dialogue and empathetic engagement.”
Recalling his days with former CM of J&K Mufti Sayeed, Mir said during my university days in the USSR, the walls of my hostel room bore the images of this dynamic leader, reflecting a reverence deeply ingrained in my family’s history. Both my grandfather and father were staunch admirers of his resolute leadership and transformative ideas, he said.
“Their unwavering support for Mufti Sahib was not mere allegiance but an acknowledgment of his extraordinary ability to inspire hope and galvanize change,” Mir added.
He further said that as Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed envisioned Jammu & Kashmir as a crucible of harmony—a bridge connecting India and Pakistan through mutual understanding and cooperation.
“His tenure was marked by concerted efforts to restore normalcy, reduce violence, and create democratic spaces for all voices, including those traditionally marginalized. By reopening historical trade routes across the Line of Control (LoC), he sought to revitalize economic interdependence as a tool for peace-building,” he added.
Mir further said that Mufti Sahib’s leadership transcended conventional governance. He redefined the contours of power by challenging the entrenched one-party rule and offering the people of J&K an alternative rooted in progress and dignity.
“His bold initiatives, including the disbanding of the Special Operations Group and promoting cross-border trade, reflected his unwavering belief in development as the foundation of peace.”
Mir said that even today, his vision resonates as a guiding light for addressing the enduring complexities of the Kashmir issue. He understood that sustainable peace necessitated reconciling divergent ideologies, fostering trust and creating an inclusive socio-political framework.
“His emphasis on pragmatic, people-centric policies continues to stand as a roadmap for resolving conflicts through dialogue, development, and democracy. As we remember Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, we honor a leader whose ideals and actions continue to shape the aspirations of Jammu & Kashmir,” the senior PDP leader said.
He said that Mufti Sahib’s life was a testament to the power of statesmanship rooted in empathy and vision—a legacy that inspires us to build a future where peace and prosperity prevail. May his soul rest in eternal peace, Mir added.
Mufti Mohammad Sayeed served as the chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir twice from November 2002 to November 2005 and from March 2015 until his death on January 7, 2016. He held various positions, including minister of Tourism in Rajiv Gandhi’s cabinet and minister of Home Affairs in V. P. Singh’s cabinet
