J&K CM bereaved, father-in-law passes away

Srinagar, Dec 2 (UNI) Mohammad Abdullah Dev Nadeem, a prominent poet, renowned educationist and father-in-law of Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, passed away here early today after prolonged illness.

He was 77 and is survived by six sons and two daughters, including Shamima Dev, a noted singer and wife of Mr Azad.

Nadeem was suffering from multiple diseases for a long time now and breathed his last at 0145 hrs at his Hyderpora residence here.

Known for mystic poetry, Nadeem published his poetic collection ''Soz-e-Dil'' in two volumes, which earned him acclaim in literary circles. He served the state education department and retired as district education officer in 1986.

Nadeem was known for his honesty, integrity, dedication and upright character.

He was laid to rest at his ancestral graveyard in Magarmal Bagh here. A large number of people attended his Nimaz-e-Jinazah (funeral prayers) and the last rites.

As the news of the demise of Nadeem came in, people from all walks of life visited the family of the deceased to condole the death and share the grief.

Prominent among those who visited the bereaved family were former Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, Legislative Council Chairman Ghulam Nabi Lone Hanjoora, Legislative Assembly Speaker Tara Chand, Transport Minister Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen, Education Minister Peerzada Mohammad Sayeed, Agriculture Minister Abdul Aziz Zargar, Finance and Planning Minister Tariq Hameed Karra and former Deputy Chief Minister Muzaffar Hussain Baig.

Later, a condolence meting was held at late Nadeem's residence where the speakers highlighted his qualities as a person, a poet and an officer of the state education department.

They said he was a multi-faceted personality who left a lasting imprint on the minds of his students, colleagues and readers.

Several social, political and religious organisations besides literary circles, educationists and employees unions also condoled his death and expressed sympathies with the bereaved family.

Jammu and Kashmir Governor Lt Gen (Retd) S K Sinha, the entire Council of Ministers, CPI(M) leader Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami and others also have condoled Nadeem's demise, praying for the eternal peace of the departed soul and courage for the family members to bear this irreparable loss.

UNI