Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 18: The Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, Speaker State Assembly, Kavinder Gupta, Deputy Chief Minister, Dr Nirmal Singh and other legislators today paid rich tributes to the six former Legislators from the State, who died in the recess between the last Session of the Assembly and the commencement of the Budget Session today.
Speaking during the Obituary Reference in the Legislative Assembly, moved by Speaker the Chief Minister said all the deceased Legislators had been his companions who served people and the State throughout their lives. These Members include Abdul Gani Goni, Molvi Iftkhar Hussain Ansari, Abdul Salam Deva, Om Parkash Chopra, Master Lal Chand and Nasrullah.
Recalling the contribution of Abdul Gani Goni, ex-Speaker and Ambassador, the Chief Minister described him as a great person who held several Constitutional posts during his distinguished career. “I remember him as someone who always had a smiling face,” the Chief Minister said.
Paying homage to late Abdul Salam Deva, the Chief Minister said his contribution in public life is remembered even today. “He was a simple person who always highlighted the issues connected with the weaker sections of the society,” he added.
Describing former Minister Moulvi Iftikhar Hussain Ansari as a multi-faceted personality, the Chief Minister said the void left behind by him will be difficult to fill. “Besides being a suave politician, Ansari Saheb was a forceful orator whose Yaum-e-Ashura sermons on television left you riveted,” he added.
The Chief Minister also remembered the immense contributions made by Om Prakash Chopra and Master Lal Chand, ex-MLAs and Nasrullah, former MLC, in the field of politics as illustrious lawmakers.
The Speaker while paying rich tributes to the late members highlighted their contribution towards the development and socio political emancipation of the people of the State.
Mr. Gupta said that late Goni remained closely associated with great leaders of the nation like Mahatma Gandhi, Jai Parkash Narayan and got inspired by their revolutionary approach throughout his political carrier.
Highlighting the services of Molvi Iftkhar Hussain Ansari, Mr. Gupta described him a leader of distinction and scholarship, who was widely respected in the society. He said the late leader besides being an Islamic scholar, was an enthusiastic political figure who throughout his life worked for the welfare and upliftment of poor and downtrodden sections of the society.
He said late Abdul Salam Deva was a man of principles and known for his integrity and gentleness.
Describing Om Parkash Chopra as a leader of masses, the Speaker said that the late leader always fought for the cause of poor and needy people.
Remembering the services of Master Lal Chand, Kavinder Gupta said that he was polite by nature and tirelessly worked for safeguarding the interests of the oppressed and downtrodden sections of the society. He vociferously raised the voice of the SC/ST people of his area in the House.
The Speaker said that late Nasrullah was a man of commitment and was very close to the people.
Speaking on the obituary reference, Deputy Chief Minister, Dr. Nirmal Singh paid rich tributes to the deceased members and appreciated the contribution of the late leaders in various spheres. He said the contribution of these great personalities would ever inspire us and we shall strive to imbibe their good conduct and follow it.
Mohammad Shafi Uri, Nawang Rigzin Jora, M Y Tarigami, G M Saroori and Er Abdul Rashid also paid rich tributes to the late leaders and spoke in praise of the leaders and highlighted their contributions, in touching the lives of so many people by offering selfless service.
Later, the House observed two-minute silence to pay respect to the departed souls.
The Legislative Council today passed obituary references on the demise of several legislators, who have passed away.
The references were passed on Ex-Speaker, Abdul Gani Goni, Ex-Minister, Abdul Salam Deva, Ex-Minister, Molvi Iftikhar Hussain Ansari, Ex-MLC, Nasrullah, Ex-MLA, Om Prakash Chopra, Ex-MLA Lal Chand, and Ex-MLC, Hafizullah Shah.
The leader of the House, Naeem Akther, while paying homage to the departed Legislators, said that these leaders have played an important role in strengthening the democracy and democratic institutions of the State.
Those who spoke on the obituary reference highlighting the role and contribution of the deceased members include Bashir Ahmed Magray, Sajjad Ahmed Kichloo, Dr. Bashir Ahmed Veeri, G. N. Monga, Showkat Hussain Ganai, Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Firdous Ahmed Tak, Ajay Kumar Sadhotra, Inayat Ali, G. Q. Pardesi, Jehangir Hussain Mir, Yasir Reshi, Sofi Yousuf, Ravinder Kumar Sharma, Charanjeet Singh, Naresh Kumar Gupta, S. Dharambir Singh Oberoi and Yashpal Sharma.
The Chairman also paid homage to veteran leader of National Conference Sheikh Nazir Ahmed.
Later, two minute silence was observed to pay homage to the departed souls.
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