Let us resolve to carry on his mission for the betterment of people and fulfil his dream of making Kashmir the real paradise on earth
http://www.risingkashmir.com/news/mufti-sayeed-the-man-who-fought-for-dignity-of-kashmir
Tahir Syeed
Mufti Muhammad Sayeed was a tall and farsighted politician who touched the heights of politics, showed wisdom and perseverance and dominated the political landscape in country and a strife torn Jammu Kashmir for over sixty years.
Today, in Kashmir we mark his second death anniversary. The political stalwart and founder of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) changed the political discourse in state in an unflappable, thoughtful, and prudent manner. He was a serious and sympathetic politician who fought for the dignity of the people of Kashmir.
In his six decades long political career, Mufti Sayeedwent through innumerable ups and downs but never gave up, instead fought his step amid all the difficult conditions.
Until his last breath, he showed his commitment towards his people. Even at the death bed he would inquire about the public oriented issues and insist for the speedy redress.
Mufti entrusted his daughter Mehbooba Mufti on the death bed to ensure the smooth functioning of system in his absence who otherwise was nursing her father at the hospital.
He sought reports about the on-going projects while the Principal Secretary was directed to update the implementation of decisions and guidelines.
An astute administrator, Mufti Sayeedduring his regime from 2002-2005 proved his farsightedness and set the precedence of accountable governance in Jammu Kashmir besides took marked political decisions.
In the freezing cold of ChailliaKalan few days before his death, Mufti Muhammad Sayeed without caring for his health and ageing took stock of all developmental projects across Srinagar city.
To him Srinagar city was the heart of the state. He not only laid foundation of many projects, but also addressed his last public convention in the city.
At the time when we are mourning his departure and remembering him on his second death anniversary, let’s resolve to carry on his mission and commitment for the betterment of people and fulfil his dream of making Kashmir the real paradise on earth.
His agenda and commitment was to provide healing touch and return peace with dignity and to fulfil this dream he fought till his last breath.He stressed on dialogue and reconciliation between India and Pakistan as the only means to achieve peace in South Asia.
When he took over as the chief Minister of the State of Jammu Kashmir in 2002,his bold and timely initiatives rekindled a fresh hope among the people of the state.
The ceasefire on the borders, restoration of dialogue with separatists, Pakistan and Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) goes to his credit.
In 2002, when the Mufti Sayeed was in power, he ensured the protection of human rights with the abolition of POTA law. He made people realize the security for their life and loved ones by making security forces accountable and curbs the crackdown and search operations.
Lt. Gen (Retd).V G. Patankar wrote, referring to a decision of the Mufti Sayeed, in an article on NDTV Blog that:“Mufti was concerned that people were greatly inconvenienced because the national highway between Jammu and Srinagar remained open only during hours of daylight. It was necessitated by the fact that the security forces were just adequate to ensure safe conduct of traffic on that vital link by day; at night, the strength of troops required for the task could be threefold or more.
“So when he asked me why the road could not be kept open all 24 hours, I detailed the rationale, substantiating it with statistical data and tactical necessity. He seemed convinced at the time, but a few days later, he mentioned to me that he had decided that the road should be kept open 24/7.
“An announcement made to that effect was greatly appreciated by the people. As days went by, the Chief Minister was proved right. There was no trouble on the highway. When we met next, he explained to me that it was an essential step for his healing touch policy,”Patankar wrote.
You may differ with MuftiSayeed’s political views but the circumstances in which he made a distinct political identity deserved tribute. He not only advocated for peace, strengtheningof democratic institutions but also provided impactful political alternative to the people in the form of PDP.
He gave a new lease of life to the political establishment in Jammu Kashmir by launching fresh recruitment of young and educated politicians and nurtured them while pursing the goal of a strong regional political alternative.
To him democracy was the battle of ideologies and he was always concerned about the concerns of political opponents.
With the death of Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, the State has lost a sympathetic leader and soul healer. Unfortunately, his ambitions of peace didn’t reach to the logical end though he set the promising beginning for all of us.
Need of the hour is to take forward his visionary vision and carry forward the peace and developmental agenda to take it to the logical end. He left an indelible imprints on the political landscape of Jammu Kashmir.
Though the void created by his demise will remain unfulfilled, his vision,ideas and teachings shall continue to guide us.
Let us fulfil his dream and make Jammu Kashmir a cradle of peace and development as part of tribute to him.
syeedtahir07@gmail.com
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