Mufti’s funeral likely at Hari Niwas in Srinagar, Rajnath to attend last rites

The funeral prayers of Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Muhammad Sayeed are likely to be held at Hari Niwas even as arrangements have been made at Sher-e-Kashmir Cricket Stadium and Fairview residence on Gupkar as well.

Sources disclosed to us that the body of Sayeed is expected to reach Srinagar airport at around 1:30 pm, following which it will be taken to his residence in Srinagar.

After Ghusl (ablution), the body will be taken to either of the three places – Hari Niwas, Fairview residence and Sheri Kashmir Cricket Stadium – where funeral prayers shall be held, said a PDP leader.

“Hari Niwas is the most likely place where namaz-e-Janazah will be held,” he added.

Earlier, another PDP leader had said that the funeral prayers will be offered at TRC Grounds.

The body will then be taken to Mufti’s ancestral graveyard in Bijbehara area of south Kashmir’s Anantnag district where it will be laid to rest.

Mufti, who was sworn in as chief minister of state on March 1 last year, passed away at AIIMS in New Delhi at 7:30 am today.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said he will attend the last rites of Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Muhammad Sayeed in Srinagar.

“Going to Srinagar to participate in the last rites of late Mufti Muhammad Sayeed sahab,” Singh tweeted.

He said Sayeed’s death is an irreparable loss to Jammu and Kashmir. “His departure has also left a big void in national politics.”

Sayeed died of multiple organ failure here at All India Institute of Medical Sciences, 14 days after he was hospitalised.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Muhammad Sayeed’s contribution as a humanist will forever be remembered and his death is a great loss to the nation, Congress president Sonia Gandhi said on Thursday.

“Muftiji’s contribution as a humanist and to public life in various capacities will forever be remembered,” a statement quoting Gandhi said.

She extended her condolence to Sayeed’s wife and daughter Mehbooba Mufti.

“In his death, the state of Jammu and Kashmir and the nation has lost a great leader,” it added.