Malappuram (Kerala), Aug 2 - The mortal remains of Panakkad Syed Mohammedali Shihab Thangal, the spiritual leader of a major section of Kerala Muslims and the unquestioned leader of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), were laid to rest here Sunday with full state honours.

Thousands of people from different walks of life thronged the Malappuram Town Hall and the residence of Thangal to pay their tributes.

Thangal, who was also an Islamic scholar, died following cardiac arrest at a private hospital near here Saturday night. He was 73.

He is survived by his second wife Ayesha Beevi, two sons and three daughters. Thangal married Ayesha Beevi in 2006 after the passing away of his first wife Shareefa Fatima Beevi.

Representing the central government, union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad attended the funeral, which was held at Panakkad Juma Masjid.

Earlier, Kerala Chief Minister V.S. Achuthananadan, Home Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan and other senior ministers paid tributes to the departed leader at the Town Hall.

Among union ministers to pay tributes were Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi and Minister of State for Railways E. Ahamed.

President Pratibha Patil, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Chairperson Sonia Gandhi condoled the passing away of Thangal.

In her message, the president said: 'Thangal was a prominent social worker who took active interest in accelerating socio-economic development. In his death, the nation has lost an eminent public figure.'

Manmohan Singh described Thangal as a leader 'who championed the propagation and importance of education. He had the strong following of his community but framed his politics in terms of larger national issues and aspirations'.

'I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing away of Panakkad Sayyid Muhammad Ali Shihab Thangal. He was one of Kerala's most prominent leaders and led the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) for many decades with great distinction. He was a nationalist who cherished secular values and a social worker and a powerful orator,' the prime minister said.