114th birth anniversary of Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 5: On 114th birth anniversary of Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, National Conference today resolved to uphold the ideals of the great visionary leader, who worked tirelessly all his life to uphold secular, pluralistic, democratic, muliti-ethnic and multi linguistic ethos of Jammu and Kashmir and strived for empowerment of down-trodden and marginalized segments of the society while continuously endeavouring for strengthening the various institutions and taking governance to grassroots level.
Leading senior leaders and workers in paying tribute to Sheikh Sahib at a function held at Sher-e-Kashmir Bhavan here this morning, Provincial President Devender Singh Rana said the leader of the masses rejected the two-nation theory of Ali Mohammed Jinnah and tied destiny of Jammu and Kashmir with Gandhiji’s secular India because of his unflinching commitment to secularism and democracy. He recalled the great role of the tallest leader of the Indian sub-continent in transforming Muslim Conference into National Conference, as he firmly believed in taking all segments of the inclusive society along.
“Sher-e-Kashmir will be remembered by generations for his revolutionary Land Reforms Act, devolution of powers under Single Line Administration to ensure equitable development of all the regions and sub-regions besides promoting Panchayati Raj System to empower people at grass roots level”, the Provincial President said.
“National Conference will emerge like a phoenix because of its deep connect with the people, who are are embrio of democracy”, Rana hoped.
On this occasion, National Conference adopted a unanimous resolution urging the Centre to win the hearts and minds of people in Jammu and Kashmir by reaching out to them and understanding their aspirations. The resolution demanded release of all political leaders including three former Chief Ministers.
Rana expressed grave concern over continued detention of the National Conference leadership for four months now, saying slapping of Public Safety Act on Dr Farooq Abdullah, one of the towering leaders of the country, is most unfortunate, painful and highly deplorable.
Referring to the overall political situation post abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35A, Rana said a call regarding future strategy would be taken by the working committee of the party, over 60 per cent members of which are currently under detention. He said no party functionary is accredited to dwell upon these issues.
The Provincial President sought adequate funds for effective functioning of panchayats and adequate powers to Block Development Councils for achieving the overall objective of rural development. He demanded the status of Minister of State for BDC Chairpersons, saying this will enable them to effectively monitor and ensure implementation of various schemes and programmes.
He also demanded restoration of internet services across Jammu and Kashmir, saying lack of facility has adversely impacted traders, students, professionals and all other segments of society.
The homage giving function started with all-religious prayers offered by Rattan Lal Gupta, Mushtaq Ahmed Shah Bukhari, Gurdeep Singh Sasan and Satwant Kour Dogra besides Waris Gill.
Provincial Secretary Sheikh Bashir conducted the homage-giving function.
Prominent among those who paid floral tributes to Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah included Ajay Kumar Sadhotra, Surjeet Singh Slathia, Rattan Lal Gupta, Mushtaq Ahmed Shah Bukhari, Th Rachpal Singh, Abdul Gani Malik, Jugal Mahajan, Th Kashmira Singh, Babu Ram Pal, Ajaz Jan, Qazi Jalal Ud Din, Dr Kamal Arora, Bimla Luthra, Vijay Laxami Dutta, Bashir Ahmed Wani, Satwant Kour Dogra, Swaran Lata, Deepinder Kour.
Earlier Quran Khwani was organized by Mr G. H Malik at Sher-e-Kashmir Bhavan. Fruits and eatables were also distributed at Vridh Ashram at Amphalla, Jammu by a team led by Ajay Sadhotra and Rattan Lal Gupta.
Tributes-giving functions were also held by various District National Conference Committees across the Jammu region. At Kishtwar, the function was presided by Tanveer Kichloo, at Doda under the presidentship of Khalid Najeeb Suharwardhy, at Udhampur under Sunil Vewrma, at Ramban under Sajjad Shaheen, at Poonch under Bhag Hussain Rathore, at Rajouri under Shaffayat Khan, at Darhal under Ch Liaqat Ali Advocate, at Kathua under Ajit Kumar Sharma, at Reasi under Jagjivan Lal, at Gool under Dr Shamshad Shan, at Sunderbani, Bushan Lal Uppal and at Billawar Romi Khajuria.
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