Jammu and Kashmir declares seven-day state mourning for APJ Abdul Kalam

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir government has declared a seven-day state mourning while the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will not observe its foundation day today as a mark of respect to former President APJ Abdul Kalam, who passed away last evening.

"A seven-day official mourning will be observed in the state. A notification to this effect has been issued," an official spokesman said.

He added that the national flag and the state flag hoisted atop various government buildings would fly at half mast during the mourning period.

"There will be no state celebrations during the period," he added.

The ruling PDP in the state also decided not to observe the party's foundation day celebrations as homage to the former President of the country.

"We have decided not to observe the 16th foundation day anniversary as a mark of respect to Dr Kalam," said Waheed Parra, PDP spokesman.

He said all the functions, which were scheduled to be held today in the state have been cancelled.

PDP, which was formed by Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed and his daughter Mehbooba Mufti on this day in 1998 after quitting Congress, did not celebrate its foundation day last year as well as it had coincided with Eid-ul-Fitr.