Former Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik dies at 79

Malik passed away at Delhi's Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital.

He was suffering kidney-related ailments.

Malik served as the Governor of Jammu and Kashmir 2018-2019.

He was the last Governor before the post was replaced by Lieutenant Governor as Jammu and Kashmir was converted into a union territory following the abrogation of Article 370.

Malik was the J&K Governor when Article 370 was abrogated on August 5, 2019.

He has also remained the Governor of multiple states including Bihar.

The veteran politician remained the Rajya Sabha MP from Uttar Pradesh in 1980-1980 and Lok Sabha MP from Aligarh in 1989-1991.

His prior affiliations include Lok Dal, Janata Dal, Congress and the current ruling party of the country, BJP.

He was also the J&K Governor when the Pulwama terror attack took place in 2019.

His relationship with the BJP soured as he turned vocal against the Centre over the farmers' protest. He had backed the farmers' protest against the now scrapped farm laws.

In 2023, Malik gave an interview where he had highlighted the alleged lapses that had led to the Pulwama attack.

In an explosive claim, Malik had claimed the CRPF's request for aircraft was rejected and the soldiers were targeted while travelling on road.