J-K to observe 7-day mourning for ex-Prez

Our Correspondent

Srinagar, July 28

The Jammu and Kashmir Government today declared a seven-day state mourning on the demise of former President of the country APJ Abdul Kalam.

The national flag and the state flag hoisted atop various government buildings would fly at half mast during the mourning period. There will be no state celebrations during the period, the state government has ordered.

“The nation has lost one of its true heroes and the void left behind by him will be difficult to fill. He was a man of indomitable spirit and impeccable character whose popularity rose during his tenure as country’s President,” said Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed.

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and National Conference working president Omar Abdullah expressed his condolences over the demise.

Omar took to Twitter: “Dr Kalam had many fans in J&K, especially among the youth in Kashmir which in itself was no small feat. Rest in peace sir & Godspeed,” Omar wrote.

National Conference president Farooq Abdullah also expressed grief over Dr Kalam’s death.

“I’m grieved at Dr Kalam’s demise. He was an icon of hope and excellence for the entire country and inspired thousands of youngsters to work hard in the pursuit of their goals and dreams. Dr Kalam’s legacy will be that of hard work, honesty and simplicity and he will continue to be an inspiration for generations to come,” Farooq said.

Speaker of the Legislative Assembly Kavinder Gupta, while praising Kalam for his great success in Indian Missile Programme, said he was a man with a broad vision, knowledge and intellect. “It is a big loss for the nation,” he said.