This was the first public appearance of the PDP president at an official function since Sayeed''s death on January 7, this year.

PDP president Mehbooba Mufti today made her maiden appearance at a public function since the death of her father Mufti Mohammad Sayeed by attending the Republic Day parade here.

Mehbooba, who wore black shades and her trademark long gown, attended the parade at Srinagar's Bakshi Stadium where Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Asghar Samoon presided over the function and unfurled the national tricolor.

This was the first public appearance of the PDP president at an official function since Sayeed's death on January 7, this year.

Mehbooba has been confined to her Gupkar residence since January 7, following which she left the house only twice — on January 10 and January 15 — to offer prayers at the grave of her father.

National Conference working president Omar Abdullah, PDP MLC Naeem Akhtar and PDP MLAs Asiea Naqash and Anjum Fazili, a close friend of Mehbooba, were other politicians present at the function.(Agencies)