Srinagar: Veteran trade union leader Sampat Prakash died here on Saturday after suffering a cardiac arrest. He was 86.
Prakash, a Kashmiri Pandit, was rushed to a hospital after he suffered a cardiac arrest in the afternoon. He was declared dead on arrival, officials here said.
His last rites are likely to be performed on Sunday, they said.
Political leaders, including People’s Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti and CPI(M) leader MY Tarigami condoled the passing of the veteran trade union leader.
“Very sorry to hear about the sudden demise of veteran trade leader and an advocate of civil liberties Sampat Prakash ji. As a child, I remember him being a frequent visitor at KD Sethi sahab’s house in Jammu. Deepest condolences to his family,” the PDP’s official Twitter handle quoted Mehbooba as saying.
Tarigami recalled Prakash’s role in fighting for the rights of the poor and the marginalised sections.
“Deeply pained by the passing away of veteran trade union leader Sampath Prakash. He made an immense contribution to the trade union movement. He was in the front row of leaders who organised the 1967 general strike of employees along with Abdul Majeed Khan, Shishopal and others,” Tarigami said in a tweet.
Former Union Minister and Congress leader Prof. Saifuddin Soz in a statement issued here on Sunday said, “I felt deeply shocked on the death of Sampat Prakash.”
Prof. Soz also said that late Sampat Prakash was a strong voice for communal harmony and togetherness of all Kashmiris. He was a votary for peace and development!
Prof. Soz further said that I felt safe to talk to him on all issues concerning people of Jammu and Kashmir. He was a strong member of Kashmir Society and he was always forthcoming when issues concerning social and political development were discussed. He had a long history of service to society to his credit and he was a popular figure. His death has caused a vacuume.
“I would urge the Administration to see whether the bereaved family needed any material support. He led a simple life and he always remained busy in public service” Soz added.
Sampat Prakash dies, death widely condoled
