CM releases ‘Durr-e-Naayaab’, Sakeena Itoo’s moving tribute to her father Wali Muhammad Itoo

Srinagar, Oct 29: Emotions ran high during the book release function at Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) as the political leaders of the National Conference recalled the contribution of late Wali Muhammad Itoo towards society.

The NC leaders recalled late Wali Muhammad Itoo’s soft corner towards people of his society and his selflessness in extending a helping hand to others.

They were speaking during the release of ‘Durr-e-Naayaab’, a biography of Late Wali Mohammad Itoo, authored by his daughter and education minister Sakina Itoo.

The NC leaders who spoke at the occasion include Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather, NC General Secretary Ali Muhammad Sagar, Advisor to CM Nasir Aslam Wani, Dy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, NC senior leader Mubarak Gul and MLA Kulgam M Y Tarigami.

Speaking at the occasion, Sakina Itoo said the book reflects the life story of his father who served as a minister and Speaker of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly and was assassinated on March 18, 1994, in Jammu.

In his address at the occasion, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah described Wali Muhammad Itoo as a brave, capable, honest and hardworking person who sacrificed his life for the people of J&K.

“I never got an opportunity to work with him but I remember the day when he was assassinated,” Omar Abdullah said.

He said his lifestyle and contributions are described by the presence of the people present in the auditorium.

Omar Abdullah said being a lawyer, late Wali Muhammad Itoo used his legal knowledge to help those who were in distress.

“He remained steadfast to his principles and his party during the difficult times. Most of our colleagues moved to Jammu during those years, but Itoo Sahib would never sit idle. He served people till his last breath,” he said.

Omar Abdullah said, besides his public service, late Wali Muhammad did a great favour to the community by giving us a “brave daughter.”

“If he (Itoo Sahib) was alive today, he would be proud of Sakina Masood Itoo ji. Her service and commitment towards the public are a tribute to her father’s ideals,” he said.

Omar Abdullah said he always knew Sakina Itoo as a capable MLA and an able minister.

“But I discovered another dimension of her, that of a writer. Even though I tried many times to write something, I could never move ahead. As I sit on my chair, I forget what I have to write,” he said.

He said that Sakina itoo, through her book, has ensured that future generations know about the life and mission of a leader who dedicated himself to his people.

Omar Abdullah, while congratulating Sakina Itoo on behalf of NC president Dr Farooq Abdullah said his father always treated Sakina Itoo as her daughter.

“Sakina Itoo is always in the prayers of my father,” Omar Abdullah said.

On the occasion, a short film was also played, depicting the life of Late Wali Mohammad Itoo while a portrait was also unveiled at the occasion.