Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Muhammad Sayeed’s contribution as a humanist will forever be remembered and his death is a great loss to the nation, Congress president Sonia Gandhi said on Thursday.

“Muftiji’s contribution as a humanist and to public life in various capacities will forever be remembered,” a statement quoting Gandhi said.

She extended her condolence to Sayeed’s wife and daughter Mehbooba Mufti. “In his death, the state of Jammu and Kashmir and the nation has lost a great leader,” it added.