National Conference veteran Sheikh Nazir dies

Sheikh Nazir, veteran National Conference leader and uncle of former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah, died at a hospital here this morning. He was 84.

"He was admitted in our hospital yesterday in a very critical condition after he suffered renal failure. He expired today at 5:30 sm," Ramesh Gupta, Medical Superintendent super speciality hospital GMC said. He had been placed on life support system after his health deteriorated.

Sheikh Nazir was the general secretary of the party and nephew of the party founder Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah.

Omar Abdullah had visited his uncle in the hospital on Monday to enquire about his well being.

Sheikh Nazir was a "revered gentleman" and was very close to National Conference patron and his cousin Farooq Abdullah.