Dr Javaid Rahi
Chowdhary Mohammad Aslam was a prominent Gujjar leader of Jammu & Kashmir. Known for his nobility, simplicity, honesty, and deep humanitarian values, he earned immense respect not only within the Gujjar community but also across diverse sections of society.
Throughout his life, he remained committed to public service and the upliftment of the marginalized classes. His political journey was marked by remarkable achievements, as he served with distinction as a Member of the Legislative Assembly, Cabinet Minister, Speaker of the Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly, and later as a Member of Parliament.
He was a remarkably handsome man, with a glowing face, fair complexion, and a medium yet well-built physique. His very presence seemed to illuminate any gathering. Always graceful and warm, he carried a natural charm, greeting everyone with a gentle smile and sincere humility. Never once was he known to argue or utter a harsh word against anyone. Even his critics admire and respect his dignity and nobility.
I had numerous interactions with Ch. Mohammad Aslam during my college days. In 2007, I had the privilege of conducting an in-depth interview with him for a private television channel-a moment that remains etched in my memory. Being a friend of my father, he always treated me with fatherly affection, showing me warmth and kindness.
Wherever he went, people gathered around him. His approachable nature and friendly personality drew others close, and he was rarely seen alone. Among his circle of trusted companions were Chaudhary Sayeed Mohammad of Shendra village, Chaudhary Lal Hussain Mushtaq Advocate of Kalai village, Ch. Fazal Mushtaq and Ch. Amin Qammar-the noted Gojri writers-as well as tribal leaders Molvi Mohammad Shafi Khatana and Chaudhary Mohammad Din Dhakkar of Chandak village. Along with several other tribal leaders and writers, they were often by his side in daily life, during journeys, and at countless social engagements, forming a vibrant part of his world.
His roots were firmly grounded in the traditions and practices of Gujjar community. His family owned some of the finest breeds of livestock-buffaloes, bulls, cows, horses, sheep, goats, and even dogs-that were considered a symbol of pride and prosperity among the Gujjars and Bakarwals. Unlike many leaders who distanced themselves from the hardships of pastoral living, he continued to live in close connection with pastoral practices.
Every year, his family, like other tribal families, undertook the age-old practice of seasonal migration, moving along traditional routes with their herds in search of fresh pastures. During summers, they would journey to the highland meadows of Sari Mastan Dhok, where the lush grasslands provided abundant grazing.
Chowdhary Mohammad Aslam also served as the head of the local Gujjar Jirga, a traditional tribal council of people that played a vital role in maintaining harmony within the community. Matters such as grazing rights, division of ancestral property, land disputes, and even matrimonial conflicts were brought before him for resolution. His judgments were regarded as fair, binding, and beyond challenge, and the community accepted them with utmost respect. Such was the trust in his wisdom and integrity that even during the turbulent 1990s, when Surankote was gripped by terrorism and frequent clashes erupted between militants and security forces, people looked to him for peace. It is often recalled that on one such occasion, an elderly Gujjar woman advised a group of armed men, saying, “Do not fight; if there is a problem, call Chowdhary Mohammad Aslam and resolve it through a Jirga.”
Chowdhary Mohammad Aslam was born into a family with a rich legacy of leadership and public service. His father, Chaudhary Ghulam Hussain Lasanvi, was a highly respected Gujjar leader of his era, renowned for his vision and dedication to his community. He played a pivotal role in founding the Gujjar-Jat Conference in 1932 headed by Mian Nizam ud Din (RA) and earned the affectionate title of the “Gandhi of the Gujjars” for his commitment to social reform and community upliftment. Growing up in such an influential family, Mohammad Aslam inherited a strong sense of responsibility and leadership, continuing the tradition of serving and guiding the Gujjar community across India.
Chowdhary Mohammad Aslam was also deeply connected to the spiritual legacy of Hazrat Baba Ubaidullah Larvi (RA), popularly known as Baba Ji Sahib of Wangat, Kangan, in Ganderbal, Kashmir-a revered saint whose disciples are spread across Jammu and Kashmir. Through marriage, he became the son-in-law of Hazrat Mian Nizamuddin Larvi (RA), the son of Baba Ji Sahib (RA). This bond brought him into close association with the spiritual traditions of the Larvi family, from whom he received profound spiritual guidance. He became a devoted disciple of both Hazrat Mian Nizamuddin Larvi (RA) and his son, Hazrat Mian Bashir Ahmed Larvi (RA).
Life and Work
Chowdhary Mohammad Aslam Lassanvi was born on 02 October 1939 in the picturesque village of Lassana in Surankote, District Poonch. From an early age, he displayed a keen interest in education and social work, which later became the foundation of his political journey.Aslam pursued higher studies with dedication, completing his B.A., M.A., and Adib degrees from different universities. His academic background shaped his progressive outlook and helped him emerge as an articulate voice in politics.
Chowdhary Mohammad Aslam’s career spanned several decades and was marked by repeated public trust in his leadership. He was elected as a Member of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly multiple times, serving in the years 1967, 1972, 1977, 1983, 1987, and 2008.
In recognition of his stature and contributions, he was also nominated to the Parliament of India (Rajya Sabha), where he served with distinction from 20 June 2006 to 29 November 2008.
Within Jammu and Kashmir, he held several important responsibilities:
1. Minister of State, Department of Animal Husbandry and Sheep Husbandry (1975-77)
2. Cabinet Minister for Finance and Education (1987-89)
3. Speaker, Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly (1989-96)
4. Leader of Opposition, Congress Party, Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly (1983)
He has also served as Vice Chairman of Gujjar- Bakarwal Advisory Board working under the Department of Social Welfare , J&K Government.
His tenure in these roles was marked by his efforts to strengthen education, improve livestock-based livelihoods, and provide a platform for marginalized voices in the state.
The Gujjar community held him in deep affection. For instance, in 1996, when he lost the election and his vehicle was withdrawn by the government, the Gujjar community came together and gifted him a new car, entirely purchased through their collective donations.
He passed away on 15th June 2014 in his native village Lassana, Surankote, Poonch, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to his people and community.
Carrying forward the legacy of his father, his son, Engr. Mohammad Akram, won the Assembly elections from Surankote, Poonch, in 2014 and 2024.
Chowdhry Mohammad Aslam was more than a politician or a tribal chief-he was a living embodiment of the identity, traditions, and values of the Gujjar community. Through his character, humility, public service, and deep attachment to tribal customs, he created a legacy that continues to inspire future generations.
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