J&K LA’s Autumn Session: Day-1
STATE TIMES NEWS
SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday paid homage to former Governor, legislators and ministers during obituary references held on the opening day of the Autumn Session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said the departed leaders had all contributed in their own ways toward the welfare of the people. “None of us is perfect; mistakes are inevitable, whether made knowingly or unknowingly,” he observed.
The Chief Minister also suggested that the Assembly adopt a concise format for obituary references, similar to that of the Parliament.
“We are politicians, and politics often finds its way into our speeches. It would be more appropriate to pay respects briefly without lengthy addresses,” he said.
Welcoming the suggestion, Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather said it would be duly considered.
“As we remember them today, one day we too will be remembered. Let us learn from their lives and service,” the CM remarked.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah noted that all the leaders being remembered had dedicated themselves to public service, whether through elected office or party association. Referring to former J&K Governor Satya Pal Malik, he said Malik had a long public career, serving as an MLA, minister and Governor in various states.
Paying tribute to G. M. Shaheen, the Chief Minister described him as a courageous leader who continued to serve the people with determination even after surviving a major landmine blast.
The Chief Minister also expressed concern over the negligence of the concerned district administration for failing to inform the Assembly Secretariat about the demise of former Legislator Mohammad Sultan Pandithpori.
“You have already taken note of the lapse, and I am sure the Chief Secretary must have also acted on it. An explanation must be sought from the concerned officers,” he said.
Earlier, Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather paid homage to former Governor Satya Pal Malik, former minister, Gulchain Singh Charak, former MLA Dina Nath Bhagat, former MLC, Ghulam Nabi Shaheen, former MLC, Ramesh Arora, former MLC, Sardar Mohammad Akhlaq Khan and former legislator Mohammad Sultan Pandithpori.
He reflected on the lives of the former Governor, former minister and other legislators of the House, noting that they had made significant contributions to the nation’s development, including that of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Speaker also urged legislators to make the best use of most of the limited time available so that the proceedings prove meaningful and beneficial to the people of Jammu and Kashmir
During the obituary reference, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah; Leader of Opposition, Sunil Kumar Sharma; Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Kumar Choudhary; Minister Javed Ahmed Rana, MLA’s Dr. Bashir Ahmad Shah Veeri, Dr. Devinder Kumar Manyal,Ghulam Ahmad Mir, Rafiq Ahmad Naik, Dr Rameshwar singh, Mubarak Gul, Salman Ali Sagar, M.Y Tarigami, Khursheed Ahmad Sheikh, Pawan Gupta, Sajad Gani Lone, Aijaz Jan, Abdul Majid Bhat Larmi, Nizamuddin Bhat, Vikram Randhawa, Balwant Singh Mankotia, Choudhary Mohammad Akram, Nazir Ahmad Khan Gurezi, Iftikhar Ahmed and Narinder Singh also paid tributes to the departed souls.
Legislators across party lines lauded the contributions of their former colleagues, recalling their dedication to public service and commitment to the welfare of the people.
The Speaker and members of the house also held two minute silence in their remembrance.