Speaker, CM, LoP, Dy CM, others pay respect to former Guv Malik, others
Srinagar, Oct 23: The nine-day autumn session of the Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly commenced on Thursday with obituary references for seven departed souls, including the former Governor of the erstwhile J&K State, Satya Pal Malik, and six legislators, ministers, who passed away since the last session, held in Jammu.
The proceedings began with the Speaker of the House, Abdul Rahim Rather, remembering all seven deceased and paid homage to them, highlighting their contributions.
The departed, who were remembered, included former J&K Governor Satya Pal Malik, former minister, Gulchain Singh Charak, former MLA Dina Nath Bhagat, former MLC, Ghulam Nabi Shaheen, former MLC, Ramesh Arora, former MLC, Sardar Mohammad Akhlaq Khan and former legislator Mohammad Sultan Pandithpuri.
During the obituary reference, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah; Leader of Opposition, Sunil Kumar Sharma; Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Kumar Choudhary; Minister Javed Ahmed Rana and the MLAs including Dr Bashir Ahmad Shah Veeri, Dr Devinder Kumar Manyal, Ghulam Ahmad Mir, Rafiq Ahmad Naik, Dr Rameshwar Singh, Mubarak Gul, Salman Ali Sagar, M.Y Tarigami, Khursheed Ahmad Sheikh, Pawan Gupta, Sajad Gani Lone, Aijaz Jan, Abdul Majid Bhat Larmi, Nizamuddin Bhat, Vikram Randhawa, Balwant Singh Mankotia, Choudhary Mohammad Akram, Nazir Ahmad Khan Gurezi, Iftikhar Ahmed and Narinder Singh paid tributes to the departed souls.
The session comprises six sittings, including the obituary references held today.
The Assembly proceedings are expected to be stormy, with the opposition expected to target the government over governance failures, unfulfilled promises made in the NC’s election manifesto, demands for statehood, and reservation-related concerns.
CM moots Parliament-style obituary; Speaker agrees
Omar says explanation must be sought over omission of Panditpuri’s name
Srinagar, Oct 23: Paying tributes to the former MLAs during obituary references on the first day of Assembly Session, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday suggested changing the system at par with the Parliament and requested to adopt a similar concise procedure for offering condolences.
The Chief Minister also urged the Speaker to seek an explanation over the omission of late Sultan Panditpuri’s name in the obituary reference.
Speaking in the Legislative Assembly, CM Omar said that those (former MLAs) whom we are paying respects today worked to do something better. “Nobody among us is an angel. Mistakes are bound to happen either intentionally or unintentionally,” he said.
The Chief Minister firmly urged the Speaker to streamline the obituary proceedings by paying respects without lengthy speeches. “We are politicians and always bring politics into everything. I suggest that we must change the system at par with the Parliament and let the reference come from the Speaker only that will save time for the House. The Speaker is requested to adopt a similar concise procedure for offering condolences,” he stated.
The Speaker welcomed the suggestion and said it would be duly considered.
“Those we remember today once stood where we stand. One day, we too will be remembered. Let us strive to learn from their example,” Omar said, adding that these leaders have served the people after being elected by them or while being associated with any party.
Highlighting the work of former J&K Governor, Satya Pal Malik’s role, the Chief Minister said that he has worked as an MLA and served as Governor in different states besides serving as a minister. “We may have different opinions, but Satya Pal Malik might have taken a decision that suits the time,” he said.
Paying tribute to G M Shaheen, the Chief Minister described him as a courageous leader who continued to serve the people with determination even after surviving a major landmine blast.
Moreover, the Chief Minister expressed concern over the negligence of the concerned district administration for failing to inform the Assembly Secretariat about the demise of former Legislator Mohammad Sultan Pandithpuri.
“You (Speaker) have already taken note of the lapse, and I am sure the Chief Secretary must have also acted on it. An explanation must be sought from the concerned officers,” he said.
