| Secularism bedrock of NC, says Omar | | |  EARLY TIMES REPORT
JAMMU, Sept 20: Asserting that secularism is the bedrock of the National Conference, Vice President of the party Omar Abdullah today said this political philosophy of the party has survived the vicissitudes of history.
Leading the National Conference functionaries and prominent workers in paying tribute to former MLA and senior leader Thakur Rachpal Singh during online virtual condolence meeting held this afternoon, Omar Abdullah said the late leader remained at the forefront all his political career to strengthen the secular bonds as cherished by Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah
“Thakur Sahib believed in the political philosophy of the National Conference which is based on the rich ethos of inclusiveness, camaraderie and spirit of sacrifice”, the Vice President said while describing the late leader as an inspiration for younger generation because of his rich political acumen and experience spanning decades, commitment to secularism, steadfastness and sobriety. Rachpal Singh breathed his last on September 7 after a brief illness at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana Super Specialty Hospital, Kakrayal, leaving behind his wife, son and two daughters. The virtual conference began with the observance of two-minute silence as a mark of the late leader. In his tribute to Thakur Rachpal Singh, General Secretary Ali Mohammed Sagar said that he will always be remembered for his tireless contribution in ameliorating the lot of peasants, labour fraternity, weaker sections and downtrodden people of Jammu and Kashmir in general and Rajouri-Poonch belt in particular. Provincial President Devender Singh Rana remembered Th Rachpal Singh for his qualities of head and heart, saying public good was the mission of his life. He recalled his services to the people of Jammu and Kashmir in general and Rajouri district in particular, saying his departure has left a big vacuum in the party which is hard to be filled. Other senior National Conference leaders also paid tribute to Th. Rachpal Singh, describing him as a leader par excellence, saying he will be remembered for his qualities as a seasoned politician and a gentleman, who strived hard for progress and development of his constituency besides strengthening the party at grass roots level. They included Ajay Kumar Sadhotra, Surjeet Singh Salathia, Rattan Lal Gupta, Syed Mushtaq Ahmed Bukhari, Sheikh Bashir Ahmed, Sajjad Kitchloo, Kashmira Singh, Abdul Gani Malik, Babu Rampal, Jagjeevan Lal, Ajaz Jan and several others. |
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