Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday paid tributes to former legislators and ministers during obituary references on the opening day of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly’s Autumn Session. He also urged the Speaker to seek clarification on the omission of former legislator Sultan Panditpuri’s name from the obituary list.
Addressing the House, Omar Abdullah said that those being remembered had all contributed in their own way to public service. “None of us are angels. Mistakes happen—sometimes deliberately, sometimes unintentionally,” he remarked.
The Chief Minister suggested that the Assembly consider adopting Parliament’s practice of offering tributes without lengthy speeches. “We are politicians and often end up turning everything into politics. Therefore, like Parliament, I urge the Speaker to consider a similar procedure for paying respects during obituaries,” he said.
He added, “Today we remember them; tomorrow, others will remember us. This is the time to reflect and learn from their journeys.”
Omar Abdullah acknowledged that all those being remembered had served the people, either as elected representatives or through their association with political parties.
Speaking about former J&K Governor Satya Pal Malik, Omar said the late leader had served as an MLA, minister, and governor in various states. “We may hold different views, but perhaps Satya Pal Malik made decisions he believed were right for the time,” he said.
Remembering former minister G. M. Shaheen, Omar described him as a courageous leader who, despite surviving a major attack, remained steadfast in his commitment to public service.
