Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 18: A tearful adieu was accorded to the prominent Kashmiri Pandit leader and social activist, Hira Lal Chatta, president All State Kashmiri Pandit Conference (ASKPC), who was cremated here today.
Thousands of people from all walks of life attended the funeral of this courageous Pandit leader.
Prominent among others who attended the procession were BJP MP, Jugal Kishore Sharma, Leela Karan Sharma, Parshotam Dadeechi and PK leaders including convener Dr Agnishekhar, Ashwani Chrangoo, Kuldeep Raina, Daya Krishan Koul, Bihari Lal Koul and R K Raina.
The funeral procession started from Geeta Bhawan, Parade where the Shradanjali was held and the last rites were performed at Crematorium Bantalab, here.
The accommodating and helpful Pandit leader had served the Kashmiri Pandit Community as a beacon-light in the grim atmosphere of banishment after the forced exodus of the Community from the Valley in the year 1989 and was instrumental in playing a pivotal role in preserving culture, custom and tradition of the Community.
Apart from being the president of ASKPC, the late Chatta was heading All Kashmiri Pandit Welfare Society, Haridwar as president and Amar Balidan Trust as chairman.
A staunch RSS follower and also a BJP worker, Mr Chatta was instrumental in fighting the cause of Kashmiri Pandit Community in Jammu after the displacement of KPs and in the Valley as well.
It was Mr Chatta, who led from the front by helping Kashmiri Pandits in registration process for their settlement in Jammu, facing sweltering heat and humid conditions in 1989-90.
Meanwhile, All State Kashmiri Pandit Conference paid a floral tribute in the lawns of Amar Balidan Trust Office, Buta Nagar to its president, Mr Chatta. After performing the last rites, the members of ASKPC held a meeting under the chairmanship of RK Raina and expressed their grief and sorrow over his sad demise and described him selfless, dedicated and honest leader.
The meeting was attended by Bharat Bhushan Bhat, Dr Tej Krishan, CL Bhat, Ramji Bhat and others.
The sad and untimely demise of Hira Lal Chatta , president All Kashmiri Pandit Welfare Society, Haridwar was mourned in an emergency meeting of the Society held under the chairmanship of C L Bhat. The members recalled the selfless and dedicated services rendered by the leader.
An extraordinary meeting of Sharika Peeth Sanastha was held today under the chairmanship of MK Jalali, president of the Sanastha to condole sad and sudden demise of Mr Chatta. The members described him grass-root leader of the community.
Jammu Kashmir Vichar Manch (JKVM) has expressed profound grief and shock over the untimely demise of Mr Chatta. H L Bhat, National general secretary JKVM and its senior leader, Ashok Kangan termed Mr Chatta as a grass-root leader, who never bothered for his own self.
President Development Committee TRT Nagrota, P L Dhar, Migrant Teachers Welfare Association (MTWA), free lance journalist Rajendra Razdan, noted columnist Shiban Khabri and president All Displaced Kashmiri Employees Forum, MK Tickoo have also condoled the sad demise of the Pandit leader.
Zeashta Devi Prabandak Committee, Zeathyar Srinagar deeply condoled the sudden and untimely demise of Mr Chatta in a meeting held here. The members said that his contribution to the Kashmiri Pandit Community during the period of migration has been commendable. A wreath on behalf of ZDPC has been laid on the mortal remains of the great leader.
Kashmiri Cultural Organisation deeply mourned the sad demise of Mr Chatta today. In a Shradhanjali Samaroh meeting of KCO the members paid rich tributes to the Pandit leader.
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