Former Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer and parliamentarian Syed Shahabuddin, 82, who was suffering from a prolonged illness, died at a hospital in the suburb of the national capital on Saturday morning, a close aide said.
"Shahabuddin, former President of All India Muslim Majlise Mushawarat left for heavenly abode this morning at 6.22 am," said close associate Navaid Hamid, who is currently the President of the All India Muslim Majlise Mushawarat.
He was admitted at the Jaypee Hospital, Noida and is survived by his wife and four daughters.
Hamid said that last rites will be performed at Qabrastan Punjpeeran, Nizamuddin, Delhi.
Syed Shahabuddin was born in 1935 in Ranchi, now in Jharkhand. Shahabuddin had strongly opposed the demolition of the Babri Masjid and was the leader of the Babri Action Committee.
Vice President Hamid Ansari condoled the passing away of Syed Shahabuddin.
In a message, Ansari said: "Syed Shahabuddin was a man of deep convictions, he pursued issues that were dear to him with great tenacity and determination."
"I am deeply saddened to learn of the demise of renowned political leader, scholar, diplomat and former parliamentarian Shahabuddin," Ansari said, adding that passing away is a personal loss as he was a friend of him.
Vice President said: "He will be remembered for his tireless work towards a more inclusive, less corrupt democracy in India."
I convey my sincere condolences to the bereaved members of the family and join the nation in praying for eternal peace for the departed soul.Hamid Ansari, Vice President of India
Governor of Manipur Najma Heptulla, President of All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeen Party and Member of Parliament Asaduddin Owaisi and other leaders condoled the death of the leader.
"My condolence to the family of Syed Shahabuddin Saheb IFS and Ex-MP. May his soul rest in peace," Heptulla said in a tweet.
Owaisi said that Shahabuddin’s death is great loss to nation and Muslim minorities in particular. He added that it will take many years to see a politician and intellectual like him.
Bharatiya Janata Party leader Subramanian Swamy in his tweet, said: "Sorrow at my dear friend Syed Shahabuddin's death this morning. He sacrificed a flourishing IFS career to enter politics. Giant intellectual."
(At The Quint, we question everything. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member today.)