Fayaz Bukhari
Srinagar, Oct 3: Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, today deeply paid homage to the former President, APJ Abdul Kalam, former Parliamentarian and Legislators and ex-Chief Justice of High Court, who died during the recess between the last Session of the Legislature and the commencement of the autumn session in Srinagar today.
Mufti also condoled the tragic death of over 1200 Hajjis during annual Hajj pilgrimage this year at Mecca and urged the Saudi Arabian Government to institute a credible and impartial inquiry to ascertain the causes that led to fatal Mina stampede and the crane crash, outside the Grand Masjid.
The Chief Minister while speaking during the Obituary References in both Houses of the Legislature this morning described APJ Abdul Kalam as ‘Missile Man’ of India and the People’s President, the Chief Minister praised his modesty and meticulousness when he was occupying high office. “During one of my meetings with him at Rashtrapti Bhavan, he opened his computer and discussed the health plan for J&K with me,” he said, while describing him as a scientist par excellence and a humble man, who was very popular amongst the children,” he added.
Mufti Sayeed also remembered his long association with former Minister, Ghulam Rasool Kar, whom he described as his companion. “He struggled all through his life for ameliorating the sufferings of the underprivileged people and remained connected to his roots,” he added.
Mufti Sayeed also paid homage to former Minister, Mir Ghulam Mohammad Poonchi. “I have had the privilege of enjoying his hospitality. He was a very selfless leader who worked for the welfare of the people all through his life,” he added.
Referring to ex-Minister Abdul Gani Shah (Veeri), the Chief Minister said though he shared a different political thought, yet he was a deeply-rooted politician, who was very popular amongst the masses.
Paying rich tributes to Khwaja Sanauallah Dar, the Chief Minister credited him for conceiving the Industrial Growth Centre at Lassipora, Pulwama, during his brief stint as State’s Industries & Commerce Minister.
Mufti also paid glowing tributes to former Parliamentarian and Legislator, Janak Raj Gupta, and recalled his long association with him. “I cherished my friendship with him and in his death I lost a very dear companion,” he added.
The Chief Minister also remembered the contribution of illustrious lawmakers, who also passed away, which included ex-MLCs Ghulam Mohammad Misger and Vir Chand Mahasha. He also paid homage to the former Chief Justice of J&K High Court and ex-Secretary, Legislative Assembly, Mian Jalal-ud-Din.
Mufti also remembered Farida Mir, ex-MLC, and called her a dedicated social worker, who worked tirelessly for empowerment of weaker sections of the society, in particular women.
Chief Minister said a credible and transparent inquiry is required to be held to put all blame games and speculations at rest at two incidents that happened during Hajj in which over 1000 Hajjis were killed. “Despite state-of-the-art and modern facilities available in Saudi Arabia, it is unfathomable that such lapses could have occurred. It has become necessary to take all corrective measures so that such incidents do not occur in future,” he stressed.
Placing high priority on making fool-proof arrangements to avoid such lapses in future, the Chief Minister said the anxiety persists amongst several relatives whose loved ones are still missing even after 10 days of Mina stampede. He said he too was restive as his daughter, Mehbooba Mufti, and grand daughter were also in Saudi Arabia as head of the Indian Goodwill delegation. “I hope in future all necessary arrangements are put in place to ensure safety and security of the Hajjis there,” he stated.
Describing death as predestined and inevitable, Mufti expressed solidarity with the bereaved families of those who died in the two tragic incidents. “I pray to Almighty Allah to grant a place in Jannat to all those who passed away during the Hajj pilgrimage this year,” he said.
Earlier, Speaker Legislative Assembly, Kavinder Gupta while paying rich tributes to Dr Kalam, said the former President made significant contribution in missile technology and redefined the Indian Presidency by his simplicity and moral authority and was known as People’s President.
Gupta said Dr. Kalam was also known for his immense love for children and a motivator who throughout his life continued to ignite the youth by his brilliant lectures/speeches and even breathed his last while delivering a speech. “He will live in the hearts of every Indian as a legend and his valuable contributions as nation builder will always be remembered by the generations to come,” he said.
Recalling the contribution of Late Ghulam Rasool Kar, the Speaker said the late leader has the distinction of joining the politics at the age of 12. He said Kar besides working tirelessly for overall development of the State, contributed a lot in the socio-economic development of his area in particular for raising infrastructure for schools and colleges.
Gupta said Kar will always be remembered for his intellectual vision and farsightedness and a sympathizer of the poor and downtrodden sections of the society.
Paying tributes to Late Mir Ghulam Mohammad, ex-legislator, the Speaker said besides being a veteran politician, Mir was also a renowned social activist and has remarkable contribution in the development of the State for which he will be remembered by the generations to come.
Recalling the contribution of Late Abdul Gani Shah (Veeri), ex-legislator, Mr Gupta said the late leader joined politics at the age of 14. “Veeri always remained connected with the people and worked tirelessly for the welfare of oppressed and downtrodden sections of the society. His selfless services to the people of South Kashmir in particular and the State in general will always be remembered by the generations to come,” the Speaker said.
Paying tributes to Late Khawaja Sona ullah Dar, ex-legislator, the Speaker said Dar strived hard to bring awakeness amongst the farmers besides running various schools for educating children belonging to the poor families.
“He was also known as a literary figure who contributed a lot through his articles on agriculture and social reforms. His major contribution in the economic development of the State was establishment of IGC, Lassipora, Pulwama and will always be remembered for his selfless services he rendered for the welfare of the people of his constituency in particular and the State in general,” he said.
The Speaker also paid tributes to Late Ghulam Mohammad Misger, ex-legislator, who was elected as a member of Municipal Council in 1956, “He remained associated with socio-religious organizations together with Civil Defence. He will always be remembered by the generations to come for the selfless services he rendered as a freedom fighter, political leader, social activist and a journalist,” Mr Gupta said.
Recalling the contributions of Late Farida Mir, ex-legislator, the Speaker said she worked in border areas of Poonch District during Indo-Pak war of 1971 and got Certificate of Bravery Award from Brigade Commander, NATO.
“The late leader tirelessly worked for the upliftment of the poor and downtrodden sections of society, especially the women folk. She was a champion of women empowerment. Her contributions as a political leader and a social activist will always be remembered by the generations to come,” the Speaker said.
While paying tributes to Late Janak Raj Gupta, former Member of Parliament and ex-legislator, the Speaker said the late leader remained committed throughout his life for the upliftment of downtrodden and weaker sections of the society. “The contributions of the late leader as an outstanding parliamentarian would be remembered forever,” he said.
Gupta also paid tributes to Late Vir Chand Mahasha, ex-legislator. “The late leader will always be remembered for his selfless services for the upliftment of downtrodden and weaker sections of the society,” he said.
Speaker also paid tributes to Late Justice Mian Jalal-ud-Din, Ex-Secretary, Legislative Assembly who passed away on September 21, 2015. Mian Jalal-ud-Din was subsequently appointed as a Judge of the State High Court and he retired as Chief Justice of J&K High Court in 1980.The assembly also condoled the demise of more than 700 Hajjis in Mina stampede.
The members expressed solidarity and sympathy with the bereaved families and prayed for the eternal peace of the departed souls.
Deputy Chief Minister, Dr Nirmal Singh, former Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, and legislators M Y Tarigami, GM Saroori, Hakim Mohammad Yaseen, Devinder Kumar Maniyal and Advocate Bashir Ahmad Dar also paid tributes to the slain persons and threw light on their contribution towards development and politics.
Omar Abdullah in his brief speech paid tributes to Dr Kalam, former legislators and the former Chief Justice of High Court.
Meanwhile, the House also condoled the demise of the father-in-law of Minister for R&B, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari, brother of MoS PHE and Forests, Abdul Majid Padder, son of MLA Kupwara, Advocate Bashir Ahmad Dar and father of Secretary Legislative Assembly, Mohammad Ramzan.
Legislative Council, also paid rich tributes to Dr Kalam, former Parliamentarian and Legislators and ex-Chief Justice of High Court.
Chairman Legislative Council, Haji Anayat Ali while speaking on the obituary reference, paid rich tributes to Dr Kalam. He said Dr. Kalam’s contribution in the field of science has given unique name to India in the world. He said former President is an inspiration for the scientists of the country and the student’s community.
Haji also paid rich tributes to the Ex-Legislators of the State. Giving details of the political background of the former legislators, the Chairman said that all the members during their political career have tirelessly worked for the welfare of the people and development of the State.
Deputy Chairman LC, Jehangir Hussain Mir while paying tributes to the departed leaders said that the contribution of Ex-Legislators for the upliftment of the downtrodden sections of the society and the development of the State will be remembered for a long time to come.
Deputy Chief Minister, Dr Nirmal Singh while speaking on the obituary reference paid tributes to Ex-President of India, Dr. Kalam. He said Dr. Kalam was known as ‘People’s President’. He said coming from a humble background Dr. Kalam was a renowned scientist and acclaimed teacher and contributed immensely in the field of science and technology. Known as Missile Man of India, he said Dr. Kalam is also known as a prolific writer, with various books to his credit.
Singh also condoled the demise of civilians killed in border firing and expressed sympathy with kin of those killed in various militant attacks that took place in Samba and in other parts of Jammu along Pathankot Highway.
The members who spoke on the obituary reference include Ali Mohammad Dar, Ghulam Nabi Monga, Ramesh Arora, Jugal Kishore, Zaffar Iqbal Manhas, Sajjad Ahmed Kichloo, Surinder Ambardar, Dr. Bashir Ahmed Shah Veeri and Naresh Gupta.
Former MoS Home and Member of Legislative Council (MLC) Sajad Ahmad Kitchloo while condoling the deaths of civilians by ‘unidentified gunmen’ in north Kashmir appealed the Government to identify the killers and act against them as per law. “These killers should be identified and brought to book,” he said. He also condemned the murder of 3-year old Burhan Bashir and his father in Segipora village of Sopore in Baramulla district last month.
The House also condoled the demise of Hajjis in the Mina stampede and expressed grief and shock over the recent killings by unknown gunmen in Kashmir including the heinous murder of a 3-year old child at Sopore.
Later, a two-minute silence was also observed as a mark of respect for the deceased President of India and Legislators of the State in both the houses.
Independent MLA Engineer tried to disrupt the proceedings by raising the issue of Beef ban and alleged that the Government is pursuing RSS agenda. He raised slogans for about half an hour but there was no reaction or reponse to his sloganeering. He, later walked out of the Assembly.
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