Vajpayee, Rana dominate somber tributes

Srinagar, Nov 5: The lawmakers in the J&K Assembly Tuesday dedicated the day to paying tributes to 51 legislators and prominent leaders who passed away since the assembly last convened.

The obituary references honoured figures from across the political spectrum, including former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Devender Singh Rana, and former MLA Syed Ali Shah Geelani.

The tribute session provided the first opportunity for assembly members to publicly acknowledge the contributions of these leaders, many of whose deaths occurred while the assembly was inactive.

Among those commemorated were prominent lawmakers including former Chairman of the Legislative Council, Abdul Rashid Dar; former ministers Mian Bashir Ahmad and Madan Lal Sharma; and former MLA Syed Ali Shah Geelani.

Devender Singh Rana, recently elected to the current assembly, was remembered by colleagues with particular poignancy, as he passed away just days before the inaugural session.

The homage list also included noted advocate for Jammu and Kashmir’s rights, Bhim Singh; a member of the Constituent Assembly Krishan Dev Sethi; and a former Member of the Legislative Council (MLC) and senior Congress leader Yashpal Sharma.

Lawmakers cutting across party lines honoured Vajpayee’s enduring legacy of peace and neighbourly goodwill and described his humanity-focused approach as a model for addressing Kashmir’s challenges.

Many reflected on Vajpayee’s April 2003 remarks about engaging in dialogue with Pakistan “within the ambit of Insaniyat (humanity),” recalling his emphasis on democratic values, humanity, and Kashmir’s cultural identity, Kashmiriyat.

CPI (M) leader Muhammad Yousuf Tarigami praised Vajpayee’s commitment to peace.

“You can change your friends, but not your neighbours,” Tarigami quoted Vajpayee for his dedication to improving regional relations, even extending ceasefire offers in the face of resistance.

National Conference (NC) leader Bashir Ahmad Veeri joined in commending Vajpayee’s vision, noting his inclusive three-word philosophy of Insaniyat (humanity), Jumhooriyat (democracy), and Kashmiriyat. Veeri argued that this approach remains essential for the well-being of the Kashmiri people and should serve as a guiding principle.

People’s Democratic Party (PDP) legislator Rafiq Naik urged the assembly to consider the “Vajpayee doctrine” a foundation for peaceful engagement and effective governance in J&K.

In a rare display of bipartisan respect, NC legislator Bashir Ahmad Veeri paid homage to Syed Ali Shah Geelani, acknowledging his tenure as MLA from Sopore before taking the separatist path.

“I pay tribute to Syed Ali Shah Geelani. He has been a respected member of this house,” Veeri said, recalling Geelani’s terms in 1972, 1977, and 1987 before he transitioned to separatism after militancy started in 1989.

The session also commemorated several other senior figures, including former Union Minister Somnath Chatterjee, former J&K Governor Jagmohan Malhotra, and former minister P Namgyal.

The Speaker acknowledged the unprecedented number of obituary references.

“In my political career, I have never seen such a long list of obituary references,” he said.

This session marked a historic moment for two current assembly members who carry on the legacies of their late fathers.

Satish Sharma, son of the late Congressman Madan Lal Sharma, expressed regret at not having been able to make his father proud while he was alive.

Javed Riyaz Bedar, son of Ghulam Qadir Bedar, now serves as NC legislator.