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, saying his legacy is an “enduring testament to the transformative power of vision and pragmatism”.
In a statement issued here, 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 added, “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, 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. Their unwavering support for Mufti Sahib was not mere allegiance but an acknowledgment of his extraordinary ability to inspire hope and galvanize change.”
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, he said. “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.”
The PDP leader said Mufti Sayeed’s 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.
“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.
