Former minister, BJP candidate Surankote Mushtaq Bukhari passes away

Jammu, Oct 2: Former Minister and BJP candidate from Surankote, Syed Mushtaq Bukhari breathed his last on Wednesday in Pamrote Surankote area of Poonch district, an official said. He was 75.
Officials said that BJP Candidate for Surankote Constituency Sayed Mushtaq Bukhari died Wednesday morning at home.
Meanwhile, Senior PDP Leader and Candidate Mendhar Constituency Advocate Nadeem Rafiq Hussain Khan and other political leaders condoled his demise.
Bukhari, a 75-year-old politician, was fielded by the BJP from Surankot, a Scheduled Tribe reserved constituency in the Jammu region.
A two-time former legislator from Surankote in Poonch district, Bukhari was once a close confidant of National Conference president Dr. Farooq Abdullah.
After a nearly four-decade affiliation with the National Conference, Bukhari parted ways with the party in February 2022 due to a disagreement with Farooq Abdullah over ST status for the Pahari community.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has expressed his grief over the demise of prominent Pahadi leader Syed Mushtaq Ahmed Bukhari.
In a condolence message, the Lt Governor said, “Deeply pained to learn of the demise of Syed Mushtaq Ahmed Bukhari, a prominent Pahadi leader. He will be remembered for his commitment to the welfare of people and upliftment of weaker sections of society. My condolences to his family”.
Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President, Dr. Farooq Abdullah, and Vice President Omar Abdullah, are deeply saddened by the passing of Surankote BJP candidate and former minister, Syed Mushtaq Ahmed Bukhari.
The duo offer their heartfelt condolences to the grieving family and pray for peace for the departed soul in the highest realms of Jannat.
In addition, General Secretary Ali Muhammad Sagar, Additional General Secretaries Dr. Sheikh Mustafa Kamal, Ajay Kumar Sadhotra, Treasurer Shammi Oberoi, Provincial Presidents Nasir Aslam Wani, Rattan Lal Gupta, Chief Spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq Political Advisors Mushtaq Guroo, Mudassar Shamiri, and Senior leaders Javed Rana, Aijaz Jan, also express condolences over the demise of Mushtaq Bhukhari and stand in solidarity with the grieving family. (GNS)