Srinagar September 07 (KNS) National Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah and Vice President Mr Omar Abdullah today expressed shock and grief over the passing away of former MLA and senior leader Thakur Rachpal Singh, describing the death as a great loss to the party.

Th Rachpal Singh breathed his last after a brief illness this morning at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana Super Specialty Hospital, Kakrayal here, leaving behind his wife, son and two daughters.
Two times MLA from Kalakote Assembly Constituency in Rajouri district, Th Rachpal Singh has remained Vice Chairman J&K Kissan Advisory Board, President NC State Centre Labour Union, Central Secretary Jammu and Kashmir National Conference, Provincial Vice President Jammu, Deputy Leader in Legislative Assembly.

“Thakur Rachpal Singh ji will always be remembered for his tireless contribution in ameliorating the lot of peasants, labour fraternity, weaker sections and downtrodden people of Jammu and Kashmir in general and Rajouri-Poonch belt in particular”, Dr Farooq Abdullah said in a message, adding that his selfless service will remain guiding force and inspiration for younger generation of National Conference cadres. In his death, the party has lost a dedicated, sincere and hardworking leader whose role in strengthening the bonds of amity and brotherhood between various segments of society, he added.

In his condolence message, Vice President Mr Omar Abdullah expressed grief over the death of a senior colleague from Kalakote Rajouri, saying, “ Only yesterday, I spoke to him (Th Rachpal Singh) to wish him well. He was on oxygen support but in good spirits. Less than 24 hours later he is no more. My prayers are with his family”.

Dr Farooq Abdullah and Mr Omar Abdullah prayed for peace to the departed soul and strength to the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss.

National Conference General Secretary Haji Ali Mohammed Sagar, in his condolence message, described Th Rachpal Singh as leader par excellence, saying he will be remembered for his qualities as a seasoned politician and a gentleman, who strived hard for progress and development of his constituency besides strengthening the party at grass roots level.

Provincial President Jammu Devender Singh Rana remembered Th Rachpal Singh for his qualities of head and heart, saying public good was the mission of his life. He recalled his services to the people of Jammu and Kashmir in general and Rajouri district in particular, saying his departure has left a big vacuum in the party which is hard to be filled.

Provincial President Kashmir Nasir Aslam Wani remembered the late leader for his pro people and pro poor stance and described his death as a big loss to the party.

Party's senior leader and former Finance Minister AR Rather while offering tributes to the late leader said, "He was a people's leader and always worked towards making a better change in their lives. We have lost a sincere colleague and a dear friend. I offer my condolences to his family."

They conveyed their condolences to the bereaved family and expressed solidarity with them at this hour of grief. They prayed for peace to the departed soul.

Senior party leaders and functionaries also expressed grief and shock over the demise of Th Rachpal Singh, conveyed condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for peace to the departed soul. They included Mohammad Shafi Uri, A R Rather, Mian Altaf, Chowdhary Ramzaan, Mubarak Gul, Shammi Oberoi, Nazir Gurezi, Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, Mohammad Akbar Lone, Hasnain Masoodi, Sakina Itoo, Dr Bashir Veeri, Ali Mohammad Dar, Shameema Firdous, Mir Saifullah, Kr. Sadhotra, Surjeet Singh Slathia, Rattan Lal Gupta, Th Kashmira Singh, Mushtaq Ahmed Bukhari, Sajjad Ahmed Kichloo, Sheikh Bashir Ahmed, Javed Ahmed Rana, Khalid Najeeb Suharwardhy, TS Wazir, Babu Rampaul, Abdul Gani Malik, Sajjad Shaheen, Tanvir Sadiq, Imran Nabi Dar, Salman Ali Sagar, Ajaz Jan and others.

Condolences meetings over the death of Th Rachpal Singh were also held at all the district and block headquarters in Jammu with District Presidents and Block Presidents recalling the services of the late leader for betterment of the people. They also conveyed condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for peace to the departed soul. (KNS)