NC leader Vakil passes away

Senior National Conference leaderand former speaker of Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly Abdul Ahad Vakil today died at his residence here following a brief illness. He was 79.

Senior National Conference leaderand former speaker of Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly Abdul Ahad Vakil today died at his residence here following a brief illness. He was 79. "Vakil, who was not keeping well for past some time, died at his home here," National Conference provincial president N A Wani said.

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Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has expressed deep grief over Vakil's demise.

In his condolence message, Omar highlighted the role and contribution of Vakil in the political, developmental and social fields in Jammu and Kashmir, saying the late leader always worked for the welfare and betterment of the people.

He conveyed his solidarity and sympathy to the bereaved family and prayed for peace to the departed soul.

Vakil joined politics at an early age and was a Member of Parliament in 1977, then became a state minister in 1983. He was elected speaker of the state Legislative Assembly in 1996.