Veteran Politician & Former Legislator Mohammad Sultan Pandithpuri Passes Away at 90

Murtaza Mushtaq

Handwara: Mohammad Sultan Pandithpuri, a veteran political figure and former Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Langate, has passed away. He was 90.

“He was not doing well for some time, and eventually breathed his last this evening at his residence at Noor Bagh Baramulla,” a close associate told Alfaaz – The Words.

An actual resident of Panditpora, Langate in Handwara, Pandithpuri was a prominent face in Jammu and Kashmir’s political landscape for several decades. He began his political journey with the National Conference during the era of Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah. After spending nearly a decade in jail, Pandithpuri distanced himself from the party and later aligned with Ghulam Mohammad Shah, popularly known as Gulle Shah.

Such was his influence during Shah’s tenure that Pandithpuri earned the sobriquet of the “Shadow Chief Minister,” despite not holding any legislative office at the time.

In the latter part of his political career, Pandithpuri however joined the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), remaining affiliated with it until his withdrawal from active politics.

He is survived by his son, Irfan Sultan Pandithpuri, the incumbent District Development Council (DDC) Chairperson of Kupwara, who himself is associated with the Sajad Gani Lone-led Peoples Conference.

Notably, the funeral prayers for the departed leader will be held at his Noor Bagh residence in Baramulla at 9:00 AM tomorrow (Saturday).

Pandithpuri’s passing marks the end of an era for many who witnessed his significant contributions to the region’s political discourse.