Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, which met here for the autumn session Saturday, paid rich tributes to the former President of India Late Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam and former legislators who passed away between the last budget session and current autumn session of the State legislature.Paying rich tributes to Dr. Kalam, Mr. Gupta said the former president made significant contribution in missile technology and redefined the Indian Presidency by his simplicity and moral authority and was known as People’s President.He said Dr. Kalam was also known for his immense love for children and a motivator who throughout his life continued to ignite the youth by his brilliant lectures/speeches and even breathed his last while delivering a speech.“He will live in the hearts of every Indian as a legend and his valuable contributions as nation builder will always be remembered by the generations to come,” Mr. Gupta said.Recalling the contribution of Late Ghulam Rasool Kar, the Speaker said the late leader has the distinction of joining the politics at the age of 12. He said Kar besides working tirelessly for overall development of the State, contributed a lot in the socio-economic development of his area in particular for raising infrastructure for schools and colleges.
Mr Gupta said Kar will always be remembered for his intellectual vision and farsightedness and a sympathizer of the poor and downtrodden sections of the society.Paying tributes to Late Mir Ghulam Mohammad, ex-legislator, the Speaker said besides being a veteran politician, Mir was also a renowned social activist and has remarkable contribution in the development of the State for which he will be remembered by the generations to come.Recalling the contribution of Late Abdul Gani Shah (Veeri), ex-legislator, Mr Gupta said the late leader joined politics at the age of 14. “Veeri always remained connected with the people and worked tirelessly for the welfare of oppressed and downtrodden sections of the society. His selfless services to the people of South Kashmir in particular and the State in general will always be remembered by the generations to come,” the Speaker said.Paying tributes to Late Khawaja Sona ullah Dar, ex-legislator, the Speaker said Dar strived hard to bring awakeness amongst the farmers besides running various schools for educating children belonging to the poor families.
“He was also known as a literary figure who contributed a lot through his articles on agriculture and social reforms. His major contribution in the economic development of the State was establishment of IGC, Lassipora, Pulwama and will always be remembered for his selfless services he rendered for the welfare of the people of his constituency in particular and the State in general,” he said.The Speaker also paid tributes to Late Mr Ghulam Mohammad Misger, ex-legislator, who was elected as a member of Municipal Council in 1956, “He remained associated with socio-religious organizations together with Civil Defence. He will always be remembered by the generations to come for the selfless services he rendered as a freedom fighter, political leader, social activist and a journalist,” Mr Gupta said.
Recalling the contributions of Late Mrs. Farida Mir, ex-legislator, the Speaker said she worked in border areas of Poonch District during Indo-Pak war of 1971 and got Certificate of Bravery Award from Brigade Commander, NATO.“The late leader tirelessly worked for the upliftment of the poor and downtrodden sections of society, especially the women folk. She was a champion of women empowerment. Her contributions as a political leader and a social activist will always be remembered by the generations to come,” the Speaker said.While paying tributes to Late Janak Raj Gupta, former Member of Parliament and ex-legislator, the Speaker said the late leader remained committed throughout his life for the upliftment of downtrodden and weaker sections of the society.“The contributions of the late leader as an outstanding parliamentarian would be remembered forever,” he said.Mr Kavinder Gupta also paid tributes to Late Shri Vir Chand Mahasha, ex-legislator. “The late leader will always be remembered for his selfless services for the upliftment of downtrodden and weaker sections of the society,” he said.
Speaker also paid tributes to Late Justice Mian Jalal-ud-Din, Ex-Secretary, Legislative Assembly who passed away on September 21, 2015. Mian Jalal-ud-Din was subsequently appointed as a Judge of the State High Court and he retired as Chief Justice of J&K High Court in 1980.The assembly also condoled the demise of more than 700 Hajjis in Mina stampede.The members expressed solidarity and sympathy with the bereaved families and prayed for the eternal peace of the departed souls.Deputy Chief Minister, Dr Nirmal Singh, former chief minister, Mr Omar Abdullah, and legislators Mr MY Tarigami, Mr GM Saroori, Mr Hakim Mohammad Yaseen, Mr Devinder Kumar Maniyal and Advocate Bashir Ahmad Dar also paid tributes to the slain persons and threw light on their contribution towards development and politics in J&K.Meanwhile, the House also condoled the demise of the father-in-law of Minister for R&B, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari, brother of MoS PHE and Forests, Abdul Majid Padder, son of MLA Kupwara, Advocate Bashir Ahmad Dar and father of Secretary Legislative Assembly, Mohammad Ramzan.Later, the members observed a two-minute silence as a mark of respect for the deceased persons.