Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, July 8: Rich tributes were paid to Amarnath Vaishnavi of `Jaikara’ fame and a senior KP leader at an all party condolence meeting here today.
People from all walks of life attended the meeting and recalled the services of Mr Vaishnavi to the society and nation as whole. They described the late leader as an icon of Indian nationalism in Kashmir who played a pioneering role in the Praja Parishad Movement in 1952-53 and also propagated nationalism among the people during forties in Punjab and Kashmir.
They also recalled his role in 1947 Pak invasion when Mr Vaishanvi along with a youth brigade volunteered to take on the invaders till Indian Army landed in Kashmir and in 1967 Parmishori agitation.
Mr Vaishanvi’s role in leading the nationalist movement in Leh and his selfless services to the community especially his role after the mass exodus of the Pandits from Valley was also highly lauded by the speakers. They said Vaishavi Ji struggled for strengthening nationalist forces and democracy in the State and was jailed for 19 months during emergency.
Paying glowing tributes to Mr Vaishnavi, the Minister of Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation Raman Bhalla said his demise was a great loss to the society and nationalistic forces in the State.
The Minister said the late leader was known as a guiding force in the society and he never compromised on his principles. Mr Vaishnavi played a stellar role, fighting for the cause of the KPs throughout his life, he added.
He reiterated the Government’s resolve on rehabilitation of displaced Pandits in Valley and without naming hardliner Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani, said ‘‘we will not be cowed down by the warnings and threats”.
He highlighted various steps taken by the Government in this regard.
Dr Jitendra Singh, National Executive Member and State chief spokesman BJP while paying tributes to late leader termed him a symbol of nationalism in Kashmir who led an honest life and did a selfless service to society.
He said we should not be apologetic by calling ourselves nationalist or Hindus as Pt Jawahar Lal Nehru has himself said that Hinduism is a way of life. He made it clear that till dignified return of Pandits no Kashmiriyat is envisaged to take place in Valley.
B S Slathia president Bar Association, Jammu while lauding the services of late leader said he was particular about the return of secular character of Kashmir. While RSS Sangchalak Brig (Retd) Suchet Singh highlighted the role of Vaishnavi Ji in various pro nationalistic movements in the State.
Dr Agnishekhar convener PK termed Vaishanvi Ji a towering personality who along with Prof Balraj Madhok and others played a great role in strengthening nationalist movement in Kashmir. He termed Vaishnavi Ji as an icon of nationalism.
Dr R L Bhat and Dr Ashwani Chrungoo of JKVM and PK respectively said the great tribute to Mr Vaishnavi would be forging unity in the community to face future challenges.
Dr Nirmal Singh National Executive member BJP said that greatest tribute to Vaishnavi Ji will be strengthening of democratic forces in the State.
K K Khosa president KP Sabha said Vaishnavi Ji gave his life to serve community.
NC MLC Vijay Bakaya termed Mr Vaishanvi a man down to earth who served society selflessly.
Others who paid tributes to great leader included Justice G D Sharma, Ramesh Sabharwal of JKPF, Leela Karan Sharma , Sat Sharma (CA) general secretary, BJP, Moti Lal Kaul chairman Migrant Cell Congress, H N Jatu, president AIKPC, H L Chatta, general secretary, ASKPC, R K Raina, M L Malla, A K Braroo, Phoola Kaul, Virender Riana.
Meanwhile Advisor to CM Mubarak Gul, chairman RDS Ashok Kaul and Ex-Corporator Sheela Handoo have also paid tributes to Vaishnavi and recalled his services.
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