Jammu, Feb 24 (KNS): National Conference on Sunday gave a clarion call for upholding, promoting and sustaining the secular ethos of the state, saying any deviation will be against the very idea of Jammu and Kashmir.
“J&K is synonymous to Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Esai Itehad and this forms political philosophy of National Conference for which its towering leaders gave innumerable sacrifices”, Provincial President Devender Singh Rana said in a statement issued to KNS while leading the party workers in paying tribute to Sheikh Nazir Ahmed, the former General Secretary, on his fourth death anniversary at a function, held at Sher-e-Kashmir Bhavan here this morning.
Rana recalled the pioneering role of Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah in strengthening bonds of amity and brotherhood, saying his unflinching faith in inclusiveness was a crucial factor in galvanizing the people in the Valley to stand like a rock in preserving communal amity and unity during most horrendous days of the Partition when communal frenzy engulfed the sub-continent.
In that scary situation, Mahatma Gandhi had seen a ray of hope emanating from Kashmir, he said, adding that these attributes of the state were seen in immense measure in Jammu post 1990 disturbed conditions when this city rose to the occasion and became second home for the people in distress.
“We have to uphold this spirit of Jammu by isolating microscopic minority of those showing signs of intolerance to this ethos”, Rana said while lauding the people in general for demonstrating high degree of resilience in meeting challenges. In the recent days too this spirit dominated and helped in restoration of normality the in situation which had got vitiated by rumour mongering, he maintained.
The Provincial President dwelt upon various facets of the selfless services rendered by Sheikh Nazir Ahmed, a firm believer in secularism and unity of the state, and said he remained strength and motivating force behind the National Conference cadre.
He said Nazir was connected to the workers at grass roots level, adding that he stood by his cherished principles till his last without opting for any position in the government. He described him a towering leader who believed in perfection, which helped in steering the state’s premier party to newer heights.
Rana said that Sheikh Nazir will continue to inspire the cadre because of his simplicity, dedication and high degree of political acumen.
Paying his tributes, Additional General Secretary Dr Sheikh Mustafa Kamaal described Sheikh Nazir as a selfless leader who stood for high values in politics and public life. He said the former General Secretary worked tirelessly for betterment of the people, especially poor, and strengthened the party at grass roots level and carrying forward the mission of Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
In his homage, Dr Sheikh Mustafa Kamaal said Nazir Sahib shaped the destiny of National Conference as a strong mass movement that strived for dignity and honour of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, irrespective of caste, creed or religion.
“Nazir Sahib has left an indelible mark of selfless service which will continue to guide and inspire the younger generations and influence their political journey”, he added.
State Secretary Rattan Lal Gupta recalled the great contribution of the late leader in strengthening National Conference in Kashmir, Jammu and Ladakh, and making it a vibrant force. He said service to the people remained focal point of his life, as the late leader remained steadfast in his commitment to the party and worked for ameliorating the lot of the people.
Former MLC Th Kashmira Singh while paying tribute to Sheikh Nazir said he will always be remembered for his simplicity and sagacious political approach. He described Sheikh Nazir as a pillar of strength and a great inspiration to the party cadre, who motivated all to contribute towards betterment of the people.
Describing Sheikh Nazir as a guiding force for the party cadre, Provincial Secretary Sheikh Bashir said he infused a new spirit in the party by making it vibrant at all the levels.
He said the late leader worked tirelessly for uplifting the people belonging to down-trodden sections of the society. “His inspirational leadership made the party functionaries at the grass roots level to work for overall good of the people and help the people in distress”, he added.
Provincial Vice President Anil Dhar said the best tribute to the late leader would be to strive for steering the state to peace and progress besides empowering the people at grass roots level.
Earlier, floral tributes were paid to Sheikh Nazir Ahmed and all religious prayers were held for eternal peace to the departed soul. Qurankhawani was held in memory of the late leader which was organized.
Those who paid floral tribute to Sheikh Nazir Ahmed included Mushtaq Ahmed Bukhari State Secretary, Haji Mohd Hussain Ex-MLC, Jugal Mahajan Vice President Jammu Province, Ch. Haroon Vice President Jammu Province, Ajaz Jan Provincial President YNC, Chander Mohan Sharma Vice President Jammu Province, Satwant Kour Dogra Provincial President Women Wing, Dilshad Malik Provincial Secretary, Pardeep Bali Provincial Secretary, G H Malik Joint Secretary, Vijay Lochan Co Chairman SC Cell, Abdul Gani Teli Co Chairman OBC Cell, Rashida Begum Provincial Secretary, Ch Rehmat Ali, Shamshad Shan District President Gool- Arnas, Ashok Dogra, Ashok Singh Manhas, Col Rashid Ahmed Retd, Iftkhair Ahmed Choudhary, M.L Munshi, Reyaz Ahmed and others. (KNS)