Srinagar, 28 January:(KNS)  The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Party President, Member of Parliament from Srinagar Dr Farooq Abdullah and Vice President Mr. Omar Abdullah have expressed profound grief over the demise of Krishan Dev Sethi, the last surviving member of the Constituent Assembly of Jammu and Kashmir, who left for heavenly abode today in the morning. 

The Party President in his condolence message said, “Late Sethi Ji was among many who gave intellectual leadership to his people, when Jammu and Kashmir was undergoing a change from feudalism to democracy. He also lent immense support to the political movement started by Sher-e-Kashmir by giving his intellectual support, discussing the themes as socialism, secularism and democracy in his write-ups. He was the last of the titans who under the leadership of Sheikh Sahib had ushered in an era of democracy in Jammu and Kashmir. An ace writer, his critiques of the policies of government were insightful of his commitment towards democracy and understanding of politics. I pay my earnest tributes to him. I take this opportunity to express my sympathies with the bereaved family members of his. May the departed soul be blessed with eternal repose."

Party vice President in his condolence message said, "Sorry to hear about the demise of Jb Krishan Dev Sethi. He was the last surviving member of the Constituent Assembly of J&K and a former MLA. My condolences to his family & prayers for the eternal rest of his soul."

Member of Parliament Hasnain Masoodiin his condolence message called Late Kishen Dev Sethi as a symbol of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh unity, autonomy, and territorial integrity. While paying tributes to the departed leader, Masoodi recalled the rich contribution made by the great leader in making of the Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir. The departed leader called it “flag of peasants and workers”, representing the ideals cherished by the people and cautioned the people that “reactionary elements are there who try to pull down this flag and to face such elements sacrifices are even now required.”  He said that Sethi Saheb was a great supporter of the Delhi Agreement 1952 and called it “ beacon of light for the people of Jammu and Kashmir State and progressive forces of India.” He always stood for oppressed and disempowered and no one could have defended the land reforms and opposed the payment of compensation to the holders of big estates as effectively as was done by Late Sethi sb.

Meanwhile party general secretary Ali Muhammad Sagar, provincial president Nasir Aslam Wani, Mir Saifullah, Showkat Mir have also condoled the demise of krishan Dev Sethi. The functionaries have expressed unison with his family, prayed for repose to the soul of the deceased. (KNS)