Mufti Sayeed - A Lifestory
The Peace Advocate: Bridging Divides, Shaping Jammu And Kashmir
Mufti Mohammad Sayeed was a prominent Indian politician, primarily known for his significant role in the political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir. Born on January 12, 1936, in Bijbehara, Anantnag district, he dedicated a substantial part of his life to public service. Sayeed's political journey began in the Indian National Congress, where he rose through the ranks, eventually becoming a Member of Parliament in 1980. He served as the Union Minister for Tourism in the late 1980s, holding a significant portfolio in the central government. A pivotal moment in his career occurred in 1989 when his daughter, Rubaiya Sayeed, was kidnapped, leading to the controversial release of militants in exchange for her freedom.
In 1999, Sayeed broke away from the Congress party and founded the Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The PDP aimed to provide a moderate voice and alternative political platform in the region, focusing on dialogue and reconciliation. His political acumen led the PDP to power in 2002, and he served as the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir from 2002 to 2005. During his tenure, he emphasized a healing touch policy, seeking to address the grievances of the people and promote peace in the conflictridden state. He later served a second term as Chief Minister, beginning in 2015, in a coalition government with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Mufti Mohammad Sayeed passed away on January 7, 2016, leaving behind a complex legacy marked by his efforts to navigate the turbulent political waters of Jammu and Kashmir. His contributions to the state's political discourse and his attempts to foster peace and development remain subjects of discussion and analysis.
