Omar pays tributes to Qayoom

KT NEWS SERVICE SRINAGAR, Jan 4: National Conference president Omar Abdullah today paid glowing tributes to deceased NC leader and former minister Abdul Qayoom and said his contribution will never be forgotten.

Omar today visited the house of Qayoom of Chrar-e-Sharief to express his condolences with the bereaved family.

The NC president, while talking to people there, said his death is a great loss for the party and the vaccum created by his death cannot be filled.

"He was a mature, farsighted and honest politician.

As Education and Revenue minister in the NC government, he fulfilled his responsibilities earnestly", he said.

NC president said his contribution as the leader of opposition in the legislative council is historical.

"The way he defended the Permanent Resident (Disqualification) bill and transfer of property act is praiseworthy", he said.

Omar said he was caretaker of Ganderbal, the constituency of then chief minister Dr Farooq Abdullah.

"His role was appreciated by people there.

Also, he played role in the re-construction of Charar-e-Sharief shrine", he said.

The NC president also visited the house of Farooq Zargar, slain NC leader who was gunned down by militants recently.

He expressed condolences with the bereaved families.

Meanwhile, NC leaders Shamima Firdous and Irfan Ahmad Shah visited Batamalloo, Fruit Mandi, Nala Amir Khan, Fateh Kadal and Habba Kadal areas here to take stock of the damage caused by recent snowfall.

A spokesman quoting NC leaders said the ruling coalition has failed to provide relief to people.

They said the government has announced municipal polls at a time when people are facing difficulties and large number of youth are outside valley in connection with the business activities.