Former Jammu and Kashmir CM’s Omar, Mehbooba condole death of George Fernandes

Srinagar: Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister’s Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti on Tuesday paid tributes to former Defence Minister of India George Fernandes, who died on Tuesday after a prolonged illness.

Omar said that Fernandes was a tireless crusader for the voiceless and the marginalised.

“Rest in peace George Fernandes Sahib. You were a tireless crusader fighting for the voiceless, the marginalised & for those that needed someone in their corner. You called a spade a spade & did so unabashedly. You were always a friend & well wisher of the people of J&K. God speed (SIC),” Omar tweeted.

Mehbooba said that Fernandes was a true socialist, scrupulously honest and never compromised his values at the altar of power.

“#GeorgeFernandes was a true socialist ,scrupulously honest and never compromised his values at the altar of power. Today we mourn the loss of a titan. He represented an era of leaders who were true statesmen and not just politicians. (SIC),” she tweeted.

President of India Ram Nath Kovind was distressed on hearing the news of Fernandes’ death. “He epitomised simple living and high thinking. And was a champion of democracy, during the Emergency and beyond. We will all miss him,” the President’s office tweeted.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the 88-year-old long-time socialist a “fiery trade union leader”, who resisted the Emergency “tooth and nail”, while Kovind described him as a “champion of democracy”. He took to Twitter to condole his death and tweeted: “Frank and fearless, forthright and farsighted, he made a valuable contribution to our country. He was among the most effective voices for the rights of the poor and marginalised.”

“During his long years in public life, George Sahab never deviated from his political ideology. He resisted the Emergency tooth and nail. His simplicity and humility were noteworthy. My thoughts are with his family, friends and lakhs of people grieving. May his soul rest in peace.”

Congress President Rahul Gandhi also condoled the demise of former defence minister. “I’m sorry to hear about the passing away of former Parliamentarian & Union Minister, George Fernandes Ji. My condolences to his family and friends in this time of grief,” Gandhi said in a Facebook post.

 

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