Jehangir Rashid
Early Times Report
SRINAGAR, Oct 3: Expressing grief and sorrow over the death of more than 1100 Hajis in this year's Haj pilgrimage in two accidents, Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today said that a comprehensive probe should be carried out in both the cases.
"It is quite sad that 1090 Hajis lost their lives in the stampede at Mina while as 107 persons died when a crane caved in at Makkah. In this age of technology such accidents are not acceptable and necessary measures should be taken in this regard. Hopefully, such things don't happen in future so that all the Haj pilgrims return safely to their homes," said Mufti while speaking during the obituary references in the Legislative Assembly on the first day of autumn session of the Legislature. He also expressed concern over the fact that more than 600 Hajis continue to be missing after the occurrence of the two accidents.
The chief minister said that although the state government does not have any mandate whatsoever in the matter it still expects that the concerned people order for a comprehensive probe in the two accidents. He said that people are worried as soon as they get the news about such accident or incident during the time of Haj.
"Without indulging in any blame game it is quite imperative that comprehensive probe is carried out in these accidents. We expect the Saudi government to hold the probe in a credible manner so that real picture is brought to the people. This would settle the nerves of the people who have lost their dear ones due to the two tragedies that occurred during this year's Haj pilgrimage," said Mufti.
Describing APJ Abdul Kalam as 'Missile Man' of India and the People's President, the Chief Minister praised his modesty and meticulousness when he was occupying high office. "During one of my meetings with him at Rashtrapti Bhavan, he opened his computer and discussed the health plan for J&K with me," he said, while describing him as a scientist par excellence and a humble man, who was very popular amongst the children," he added.
Mufti remembered his long association with former Minister, Ghulam Rasool Kar, whom he described as his companion. "He struggled all through his life for ameliorating the sufferings of the underprivileged people and remained connected to his roots," he added.
The Chief Minister also paid homage to former Minister, Mir Ghulam Mohammad Poonchi. Referring to ex-Minister Abdul Gani Shah (Veeri), the Chief Minister said though he shared a different political thought, yet he was a deeply-rooted politician, who was very popular amongst the masses.
Paying rich tributes to Khawaja Sanauallah Dar, Mufti credited him for conceiving the Industrial Growth Centre at Lassipora, Pulwama, during his brief stint as state's Industries & Commerce Minister. He also paid glowing tributes to former Parliamentarian and Legislator, Janak Raj Gupta, and recalled his long association with him.
The Chief Minister also remembered the contribution of lawmakers like Ghulam Mohammad Misger and Vir Chand Mahasha. He also paid homage to the former Chief Justice of J&K High Court and ex-Secretary, Legislative Assembly, Mian Jalal-ud-din. Mufti also remembered Farida Mir, ex-MLC, and called her a dedicated social worker, who worked tirelessly for empowerment of weaker sections of the society, in particular women.
A two-minute silence was also observed as a mark of respect to the departed souls in both the Houses of the Legislature. |
