Chaudhry Satya Pal Singh Malik, former Governor of Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, passed away on Monday. He was 78.

Malik, who held gubernatorial posts in multiple Indian states, including Goa and Meghalaya, was widely known for his outspoken criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP-led central government.

Malik frequently made headlines for his bold statements, particularly on issues like Kashmir, farmers’ protests, and the Pulwama attack.

पूर्व गवर्नर चौधरी सत्यपाल सिंह मलिक जी नहीं रहें।#satyapalmalik
— Satyapal Malik (@SatyapalMalik6) August 5, 2025

He accused the Modi government of lapses in the Pulwama incident and calling for accountability. In a tweet that gained attention in the past, he demanded that Modi "apologise to the nation" for the security failure in Pahalgam.

His death has triggered reactions across the political spectrum, with tributes pouring in for a leader who was often seen as a rare voice of dissent within the Indian establishment.