Bright, Brilliant, Brave former Chief Secy Khanday passes away, Death widely condoled

Srinagar: Former Jammu and Kashmir chief secretary Muhammmad Iqbal Khanday known for his professional brilliance, bright career and bravery in official circles passed away late Sunday night at SKIMS Soura.
Reports said that 1978-batch IAS officer was suffering from cancer. Khanday, who held several key positions in his career, was also principal secretary to the former chief minister Mufti Muhammad Sayeed.
Large number of people mostly bureaucrats participated in his funeral prayers. His death was widely condoled by politicians, bureaucrats and people from different shades of society.
Governor Satya Pal Malik expressed grief over the sad demise of Mohammad Iqbal Khandey, former J&K Chief Secretary who passed away in Srinagar this morning.Governor in his condolence message described him as an able administrator who worked with dedication for public welfare.
Governor prayed for peace to the departed soul and strength to the bereaved family in its hour of grief.
Former Jammu and Kashmir governor N N Vohra and his wife have condoled the demise of ex-chief secretary Muhammad Iqbal Khanday.
A statement issued on their behalf said “N.N. Vohra, former Governor J&K, and his wife, have, in a message to Mrs. Khanday, conveyed grief and their heartfelt sympathy on the untimely passing away of her husband, Iqbal Khanday. “Vohra complimented Khanday, who was the first IAS officer from Kashmir to be appointed Chief Secretary of the State, had worked with Vohra during the period of Governor’s Rule before Mufti Mohammad Sayeed’s coalition government took over. “They (Mrs and Mr Vohra) have prayed to the Almighty to rest the departed soul in eternal peace,” added the statement.
National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah and vice president Omar Abdullah expressed grief over the demise of former bureaucrat Muhammad Iqbal Khanday. Dr Farooq while expressing condolences on his demise said, “I pray for peace to the soul of deceased. I pray to almighty to give strength to the bereaved family to bear the loss.”
Party’s Vice President and former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Omar Abdullah has condoled the demise of former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary Mohammad Iqbal Khanday who passed away after brief illness in Srinagar on Monday morning.
Taking to micro blogging social networking site twitter Omar wrote “Sorry to hear about the demise of Iqbal Khanday Sb. He was Chief Secretary in J&K & worked with me when I had the privilege of heading the government. My heartfelt condolences to his family & loved ones. Allah Jannat naseeb karey.” Omar also participated in his Nimaz-e-Janaza prayers. He was accompanied by party general secretary Haji Ali Mohammad Sagar, Provincial President Nasir Aslam Wani. Party’s senior leaders additional general secretary Sheikh Mustufa Kamal, senior leader Ab Rahim Rather, Mubarak Gul, Mian Altaf, Sakina Itoo, Chowdhary Ramzaan, Mohammad Shafi Uri, Chief Spokesperson Syed Aga Ruhullah Mehdi, North Zone President Mohammad Akbar Lone and others.
Another former Chief Minister and President Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Mehbooba Mufti mentioned that Mohammad Iqbal Khandey was a simple person easy to get along with and totally dedicated to his job.
The former Chief Minister appreciated the significant contribution of the officer to various departments of the state he has served during his tenure. PDP President said in his death, the State Government has lost a dedicated officer and a generous human being. She expressed her deep sympathies to the members of the bereaved family and prayed for the departed soul.
Chaiman PDF and MLA Khansahib Hakeem Yaseen also expressed his profound grief and sorrow over the sad demise of Iqbal Khanday former Chief Secretary J&K ( rtd.) Who breathed his last at his Srinagar residence early this morning.
In his condolance message, Hakeem Yaseen has said that Late Khanday sb was a great son of the soil, a brilliant and an intelligent IAS officer who signifantly contributed to the state at administrative level. Paying glowing tribute to Late Iqbal Khanday, Hakeem Yaseen said ” he was a man of principles and very kind and helpful to the poor. While conveying his heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved family , Hakeem Yaseen has prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul.
CPI (M) leader and MLA Kulgam Mohamad Yousuf Tarigami while expressing grief and sorrow over the demise of former chief secretary of the state said that Jammu and Kashmir has lost a well wisher who spent all his life for the betterment of public. “Throughout his career he worked tirelessly, honestly and with dedication for welfare of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He worked against all odds and stood steadfast to serve the people of the state in most difficult times.” Tarigami described his demise as a personal loss, saying his passing away has created a void in the state, which is difficult to fill up. “I express solidarity with the bereaved family.”
Senior PDP leader and former finance minister Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari recalled the significant contribution of the deceased officer to various departments of the state during his various capacities. He said in his death, the State has lost a dedicated administrator and a compassionate human being. “I express my heartfelt condolences and solidarity with the bereaved family. The deceased was an astute officer who was extremely sincere to his official assignments,” Bukhari observed while expressing deep sympathies to the members of the bereaved family. The former finance minister also prayed for the peace to the departed soul and courage for his family members to bear this irreparable loss.