ISLAMABAD: Kashmiri political and civil society leaders on Sunday expressed grief over the death of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) President Barrister Sultan Mehmood Chaudhry after a prolonged illness, calling it a major loss for Kashmiris on both sides of the Line of Control.
The All Parties Hurriyat Conference Azad Kashmir (APHC-AJK) convenor Ghulam Muhammad Safi said in a statement that Barrister Chaudhry served with sincerity and dignity, first as prime minister and later as president of AJK.
He said the late leader consistently reflected the aspirations and sacrifices of the Kashmiri people and kept the Kashmir issue central to his political efforts, raising it at international forums and speaking against what he described as India’s illegal actions.
Mehmood Ahmed Saghar, acting president of the Jammu and Kashmir Democratic Freedom Party, described him as an experienced politician and a strong advocate of Kashmiris’ right to self-determination. He said his death was a significant loss for people living on both sides of the Line of Control and offered prayers for the departed soul and patience for the bereaved family.
Altaf Hussain Wani, senior vice chairman of the Jammu and Kashmir National Front, also expressed sorrow over the death of the AJK president. He said Barrister Chaudhry had played an important role for decades in projecting the Kashmir issue at global forums and rendering political and social services for the cause.
Leaders extended condolences to the family and said his contributions to the Kashmir cause would be remembered.
