Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today released ‘Durr-e-Naayaab’, a biography of Late Wali Mohammad Itoo, authored by his daughter and Minister in the Chief Minister’s Council of Ministers, Sakina Itoo.
The book chronicles the life and contributions of Late Wali Mohammad Itoo, former Minister and Speaker of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly — who was assassinated on March 18, 1994, in Jammu.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah paid rich tributes to the late leader, describing him as “a brave, capable, honest and hardworking person who sacrificed his life for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.”
“I had met Late Itoo Sahib, though I never had the opportunity to work with him,” the Chief Minister said. “His personality, his way of working and his relationship with the people are evident from the love and respect seen in this hall today.”
The Chief Minister recalled how Late Itoo remained steadfast to his principles and his party despite the turbulent times of militancy. “Many of our colleagues had to move to Jammu during those years, but even there, Itoo Sahib never sat idle. Being a lawyer, he used his legal knowledge to help those who were in distress. He continued serving the people till his last breath,” Omar Abdullah said.
Paying heartfelt tribute, the Chief Minister said that while Wali Mohammad Itoo left an indelible mark through his selfless work, he also “did the community another great favour by giving us a brave daughter.”
“A brave father gave a brave daughter to this community. If Itoo Sahib were alive today, he would be proud of Sakina ji. In Noorabad, Kulgam, and across Jammu and Kashmir, her service and commitment stand as a living tribute to her father’s ideals,” he said.
Lauding Minister Sakina Itoo’s literary accomplishment, Omar Abdullah said, “I always knew Sakina Ji as a capable MLA and an able minister, but today I discovered another dimension to her — that of a writer. Through this book, she has ensured that future generations know about the life and mission of a leader who dedicated himself to his people and his land.”
The Chief Minister congratulated Minister Sakina Itoo and also on behalf of former Chief Minister and National Conference President Dr. Farooq Abdullah, appreciating her effort to preserve the legacy of her father for posterity.
During the event, Speaker J&K Legislative Assembly Abdul Rahim Rather, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Advisor to the CM Nasir Aslam Wani, former Minister and MLA Khanyar Ali Mohammad Sagar, former Speaker J&K Legislative Assembly and MLA Eidgah Mubarak Gul, MLA Kulgam M. Yousuf Tarigami and former legislator Rattan Lal Gupta also spoke about the life, legacy and deep connection of Late Wali Mohammad Itoo with the common people.
The function was attended by Minister Javid Dar, Satish Sharma, newly elected Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament G.S. Oberoi, several MLAs, and a large number of people from Kulgam, Noorabad, D.H. Pora and adjoining areas, reflecting the enduring affection and respect for the martyred leader.On the occasion, a short film was also played, depicting life of Late Wali Mohammad Itoo.