Former Jammu Kashmir Minister and Dogra Sadar Sabha President Gulchain Singh Charak Passes Away

JAMMU: Former Jammu and Kashmir minister and veteran political leader Gulchain Singh Charak passed away today after a prolonged illness. He was 85. A resident of Samba, Charak was currently living in Greater Kailash, Jammu.

A seasoned leader with a decades-long association with the Congress, Charak served as a minister in the PDP–Congress coalition government when Ghulam Nabi Azad was the Chief Minister of the erstwhile State. He also headed the Dogra Sadar Sabha, a socio-political organisation that often raised issues concerning the Dogra identity and the perceived neglect of the Jammu region.

Charak had remained politically active till late in his life. As recently as August, he was detained by police ahead of a scheduled press conference in Jammu, where he had planned to raise concerns over safeguarding Jammu’s interests following the abrogation of Article 370. Charak, while supporting the abrogation, had said the Sabha intended to suggest measures for equitable development and representation for the region.

Condolence messages poured in from across the political spectrum. Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad expressed deep sorrow over Charak’s demise, calling him a “sincere, upright, and dedicated leader who devoted his life to public service.” Azad said, “He was a Minister in my Cabinet when I was Chief Minister, and we shared a long and close association. His efforts for the welfare and upliftment of the people will always be remembered.”

National Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also expressed profound grief, describing Charak’s passing as “a significant loss to the political and social fabric of Jammu and Kashmir.” They extended prayers for peace to his departed soul and strength to the bereaved family.

Among others, NC leaders Haji Ali Muhammad Sagar, Shammi Oberoi, Nasir Aslam Wani, Tanvir Sadiq, and Rattan Lal Gupta extended condolences, recalling Charak’s long public service and steadfast commitment to the welfare of the people of Jammu.

Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta also mourned the veteran leader’s death, noting that Charak was deeply engaged in social causes across the region.