Legend Never Die Mufti Muhammad Sayeed:

By Tanveer Iqbal Qureshi

Mufti Muhammad Sayed was a seasoned and visionary politician of wide caliber; large enough to hold many contradictions together ‘Resilience Personified’ is how one can describe him in one word; evidenced in his four decades of determination for the first breakthrough. His short stint with coveted chair, obviously short to undo the damage already done; was nevertheless significant enough to remind one of some great, short-serving rulers in history of mankind. Often downplayed by his own people; his simple dictum of ‘PERFORM OR PERISH’, dramatically transformed the age-old rusted bureaucracy into a functional unit. I remember him, declaring the dates for inauguration of some projects even before the actual groundwork started; and he did it. Although a couple of mistakes cost him a decade of productive political career; regular traffic across Jawahar Tunnel, opening up of communication channels among diff parts of Jammu & Kashmir, removing rural urban distinction and joining fragmented hearts; were some of his contributions; besides breaking the jinx of monopolized politics. As for Pir Panjal region; it was for the first time that he made everyone feel included and taken on board; as a matter of right, and not just the king’s charity. Further, improving educational infrastructure, road connectivity with outer world and deliverance of masses from the ghost clutches of militancy, form the outstanding contributions of this great soul. To be remembered as a savior of this region, the people of Pir Panjal owe a great deal to this great man; the least being prayers for his final salvation.