CM for under taking research on 'freedom movement in J&K'

KT NEWS SERVICE JAMMU, Feb 16 : Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today said that the government would consider to undertake research on the political thoughts and contributions made by visionary leaders of the freedom movement in Jammu and Kashmir.

He was paying tributes to Ram Nath Manhas, Peer Hissam-ud-Din and Justice Janki Nath Bhat, former legislators, who expired during the inter-session period, during obituary reference in legislative assembly that met for the budget session this morning after the Governor's address to the joint session.

Mufti Sayeed said the towering leaders of the freedom struggle like Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, Bakshi Ghulam Mohammad, Mirza Mohammad Afzal Beig, G M Sadiq, Sham Lal Saraf, S.

Budh Singh played a distinguished role in guiding the people's movement but unfortunately very little is recorded about their thoughts and contributions that would be of immense value for the posterity.

Vivid facets of their lives had to be thoroughly analyzed for youngsters especially the political workers to imbibe the spirit of selfless service of these veterans.

'Observing their anniversaries should not be made mere rituals but should provide thought provoking occasions for others to work for the uplift of the society and prosperity of its people', he maintained.

He said such a thought had emerged earlier too but this could not materialize.

However, agreeing with M Y Tarigami's suggestion, he said this would be seriously pursued as posterity has a right to know about the personalities who left a most valuable treasure of ideas.

He recalled the sharpness of Sadiq who used to enlighten the newcomers in the politics about the events that shaped the destiny of the state.

Terming Peer Hissam-ud-Din as his valuable colleague and man of character, the Chief Minister paid homage to him for his far sight, dedication and commitment of purpose.

He said he was privileged to be close to him and knew well.

Justice Bhat, he said, had established his legal credentials and he had quite a good interaction with him.

He also remembered Manhas and paid tributes to him.

Deputy Chief Minister Mangat Ram Sharma also paid tributes to the departed leaders and said that Peer Hissam-ud-Din has left an indelible mark as a cooperator besides a political leader whom he knew very well.

He described Justice Bhat as a great legal luminary whose contribution in variant fields would ever be remembered.

He had the distinction of being legal advisor to s Indira Gandhi.

Manhas, he said, worked strenuously for the well being of the people, border dwellers in particular.

Those who spoke on the reference include Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Shah, Leader of the Opposition, M Y Tarigami, Jugal Kishore and Dr Mehboob Beig.

They paid glowing tributes to each of the departed former members of the House.

Moving the obituary reference, Speaker Tara Chand dwelt on the contribution of Ram Nath Manhas, Peer Hissam-ud-Din and Justice Janki Nath Bhat and prayed for peace to their souls.

Later, the House observed 2-minutes silence as a mark of respect to these leaders.