Describing Mufti Mohammad Sayeed as a great connector of ideologies, Minister of Education Naeem Akhtar, Thursday said the late Chief Minister believed in participatory democracy.He said the late leader strived to bridge the gap between different regions of the state all along his life."Mufti sahib experimented in a new version of participatory democracy after 2014 Assembly Elections. He used to say that the triangle between Jammu, Srinagar and New Delhi must be linked. The enterprise of hope left behind by Mufti sahib will be his lasting contribution for the people of Jammu and Kashmir," the Education Minister said.The Education Minister, who was speaking on the Obituary Reference in the upper house of the state legislature, said Late Mufti Mohammad Sayeed gave real meaning to democracy by offering a political alternative to the people of J&K.
He said Sayeed worked tirelessly for restoration of peace and socio-economic development of Jammu and Kashmir.Akhtar said the contribution of Mufti Mohammad Sayeed towards the social and political development of J&K is a hallmark of his personal integrity which he never compromised for any personal gains."I am personally grateful for my association with Mufti Sahib since 1986. In this journey, I found him a very down to earth person and tried to learn from him,” he said.The Education Minister revealed that the Late Chief Minister wanted to pen down his autobiography, "Despite offering myself for the job, the busy schedule of Mufti sahib didn't allow him to fulfill it. I am deeply saddened that one of Kashmir's sterling and exciting stories has remained untold," he said.Akhtar said the late Chief Minister was a brave man who dared odds for the cause of serving people.On the occasion, the Minister also condoled the demise of former J&K Governor, Gen. KV Krishna Rao, who he said was instrumental in restoring democracy in the state.He also condoled the demise of Balram Jakhar, PA Sangma, Chaudhary Lal Mohammad Sabir, Mohammad Khaleel Jawhar, Ramesh Chander and Sehdev Singh and mohammad Maqbool Muhjoo.