India mourns demise of former PM

Srinagar, Dec 27: The country mourned the death of a renowned economist and India’s only Sikh Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, who passed away at 92 on Thursday evening.
The leaders cutting across the party lines expressed their grief over the demise of the former prime minister and praised him for taking bold measures during his tenure for building the nation.
Taking to the X (formerly twitter), the President of India, Droupadi Murmu in a post said that Manmohan Singh was one of those rare politicians who also straddled the worlds of academia and administration with equal ease.
“Former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh Ji was one of those rare politicians who also straddled the worlds of academia and administration with equal ease. In his various roles in public offices, he made critical contributions to reforming Indian economy. He will always be remembered for his service to the nation, his unblemished political life and his utmost humility. His passing is a great loss to all of us. I pay my respectful homage to one of the greatest sons of Bharat and convey my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and admirers,” President of India wrote.
Vice President of India, V P Dhankar expressed grief over his demise. “Deeply pained to learn about the passing of Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji, former Prime Minister and a distinguished economist who transformed India’s economic landscape. A Padma Vibhushan awardee and architect of India’s economic liberalisation in 1991, he boldly steered our nation through a critical transition, opening new pathways for growth and prosperity,” he wrote.
“As the Vice-President of India, I had the privilege to engage in meaningful, insightful interactions with Dr. Singh at his residence. His profound understanding of economy, gentle demeanor and unwavering commitment to India’s progress will forever be etched in my memory. In Dr. Singh’s passing, India has lost a leader of towering intellect and a statesman par excellence. His legacy will forever guide Bharat’s growth trajectory. My heartfelt condolences to his family and countless admirers in this difficult hour,” Vice President of India wrote.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi showered praises on Manmohan, saying that rising from humble origins, he rose to become a respected economist. “India mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished leaders, Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji. Rising from humble origins, he rose to become a respected economist. He served in various government positions as well, including as Finance Minister, leaving a strong imprint on our economic policy over the years. His interventions in Parliament were also insightful. As our Prime Minister, he made extensive efforts to improve people’s lives.” Narendra Modi wrote.
The Union Home Minister also posted series of posts and said he will be remembered for his vast knowledge of finance and public policy. “Paid floral tributes to the former Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji. A distinguished economist Manmohan Singh Ji, will always be remembered for his vast knowledge of finance and public policy,” Amit Shah wrote.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha said the former prime minister made extremely significant contributions to India’s growth. “During his long career in public service, Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji made extremely significant contributions to India’s growth. As Prime Minister, he took bold steps for nation building. In his passing away, the nation has lost a towering politician and a distinguished luminary,” Office of LG J&K posted.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said that India has lost a great son with Dr Manmohan Singh’s passing. “Very sorry to hear about the demise of former PM Dr Manmohan Singh. I had many occasions to interact & learn from him. He was truly an intellectual giant, an accomplished economist but above all he was a thorough gentleman, a giant among pygmies. India has lost a great son with his passing. Rest in peace sir & thank you for everything,” Omar Abdullah wrote.
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chief and former J&K chief minister, Mehbooba Mufti said Dr. Singh worked tirelessly to advance the peace process and usher in a new era of development in Jammu and Kashmir. “I had the privilege of meeting Dr. Manmohan Singh & I am certain that he was one of the most humble and gentle souls I’ve encountered – an extremely rare trait in politicians today. His humility & kindness were evident even during his double tenure as Prime Minister when he would personally return calls. Despite the challenges he faced, Dr. Singh worked tirelessly to advance the peace process and usher in a new era of development in Jammu and Kashmir. He was a man of few words whose welfare schemes brought relief to millions of Indians cutting across caste, creed & religion,” Mehbooba Mufti wrote.
Peoples Conference (PC) Chairman, Sajad Gani Lone said that the economist Prime Minister will be known for his pioneering reforms. “A great human being and a gentleman Prime Minister passes away. The economist Prime Minister will always be know for his pioneering reforms and liberalisation. May he rest in peace,” Sajad Lone wrote.
President of Apni Party and former minister Syed Altaf Bukhari said that the former PM dedicated his entire life to serving the nation. “Dr. Manmohan Singh, a visionary economist, academic, and one of India’s longest-serving PMs, dedicated his entire life to serving the nation. As Finance Minister in 1991, he ended the Licence Raj, transforming India’s economy. His legacy will inspire generations. May his soul rest in peace,” Altaf Bukhari wrote.
Apart from the mainstream politicians in J&K, Hurriyat Conference leader and Jamia Masjid’s head cleric, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq expressed grief over his demise, calling him a statesman committed to harmony and resolution. “Saddened by the demise of Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji. I recall our meetings, both during his tenure as PM and before, where his sincerity towards dialogue on Kashmir and fostering people-to-people contact across borders was evident. He believed in open borders and lasting peace with neighbors and engaged with us in Hurriyat with an open mind. A statesman committed to harmony and resolution. Condolences to his family, May his soul rest in peace,” Mirwaiz wrote.