Srinagar October 2 (KNS): Tarun Chugh, National General Secretary of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and in-charge for Jammu & Kashmir, expressed profound grief over the sudden demise of Syed Mushtaq Ahmed Bukhari, the BJP candidate from Surankote. The 75-year-old Bukhari passed away on Wednesday morning due to a heart attack, leaving a significant void in the political and Pahadi communities of the region.

In a statement issued to KNS, Chugh described Bukhari as "the messiah of the Pahadi communities" and emphasized the deep impact his passing has on both the party and the community. “The demise of Mushtaq Bukhari Sahib is not only a loss for the BJP but for the entire Pahadi community of Jammu & Kashmir,” Chugh stated.

Bukhari was renowned for his unwavering dedication to the rights of the Pahadi people. His efforts to have the Pahadi communities included in the Scheduled Tribes (ST) list were a testament to his commitment.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelFrustrated by former Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah’s opposition to this initiative, Bukhari resigned from the National Conference (NC) to continue his advocacy independently.

Reflecting on his personal relationship with Bukhari, Chugh shared, “Whenever we met, we would engage in deep discussions about the development, peace, and mainstreaming of the Pahadi communities in Jammu & Kashmir, and I always learned a lot from him.” He further added, “He was a lively person who dedicated his whole life fighting for the rights of the Pahadi people. His passing is a personal loss for me.”

The BJP extends its deepest sympathies to Bukhari’s family and the Pahadi community during this difficult time. His contributions to the region and his unwavering fight for justice will be remembered and honored by all who knew him. (KNS)