Indian-controlled Kashmir announces 5-day mourning on Mandela's demise

The Indian-controlled Kashmir government Saturday announced a five-day state mourning as a mark of respect to Nelson Mandela on his death. The former South African president and anti-apartheid icon died at his home in Johannesburg on Thursday. He was 95 years old and battling a lung ailment for a longtime. "As a mark of respect to Dr. Nelson R. Mandela, former president of South Africa, who passed away on Thursday, the state government has decided to observe state mourning from Dec. 6 to 10, " said a government spokesman. "The official flags will fly at half-mast on all buildings and places during this period and there will be no official entertainment." The leaders from India-controlled Kashmir Friday paid tributes to Mandela on his death and joined the world community in mourning.