PM shocked over Surjeet’s demise

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh expressed grief over the death of Harkishan Singh Surjeet.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Friday expressed grief over the death of Harkishan Singh Surjeet, hailing the veteran Marxist as his “dear friend” whom he reached out for “support and guidance” in managing the UPA Government.

“I was deeply shocked and pained by the news of the passing away of Sardar Harkishan Singh Surjeet… As I said recently in Parliament, he was one of the architects of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA),” he said in a condolence message.

The veteran Communist leader was a great political leader, a true patriot, a man committed to the welfare of the downtrodden, a great Indian and “above all a dear friend”, the Prime Minister said.

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Observing that Surjeet dedicated his entire life to the community movement in the country, he said under his leadership the Communist movement came into the national mainstream. He contributed to giving a progressive orientation to social and economic policies.

“I always valued his advice and reached out to him for support and guidance in managing the UPA Government,” Singh added.

Police personnel seen to control the situation during a massive protest over the statehood demand and the inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule, in Leh on Wednesday. (ANI Video Grab)

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