JAMMU: Strongly pitching for women reservation in Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, National Conference Provincial President Devender Singh Rana today said their larger participation in parliamentary democracy and decision making will go a long way in instilling a sense of confidence in them.”Political empowerment of women will be a befitting tribute to Madr-e-Mehrban Begum Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, who all her life strived for their socio-economic emancipation”, Rana said while leading National Conference cadre in paying homage to Madr-e-Mehrban on her death anniversary at Sher-e-Kashmir Bhavan here this morning.Rana said that the vision of Begum Sahiba about empowerment of women and weaker sections has hugely influenced and inspired the political philosophy of National Conference, which eventually manifested in 33 percent female reservation in the civic bodies and panchayats, as also 50 per cent share in the medical colleges. He said women constitute almost half of the state politician and they cannot be deprived of their legitimate rights in governance.Recalling historic role of Begum Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah during the political movement of Jammu and Kashmir and thereafter, the Provincial President said that she carried forward the mission of Sher-e-Kashmir to realise a dignified place for the people and ensuring their empowerment. He made a particular reference to the role Begum Sahiba played during the imprisonment of Sheikh Sahib and said she kept the spirit of people live and infused energy them. “Whenever historians will write on Sher-e-Kashmir, they cannot afford to ignore Madr-e-Meharban, as the persona of the tallest among the towering leaders of the time was incomplete without this great lady”, he said.Rana said the people of Jammu and Kashmir will always remain indebted to Madr-e-Meharban for keeping the great mission of Sher-e-Kashmir alive during his long spell of imprisonment. He described her contribution in promotion of female literacy and empowerment of weaker sections of the society as exemplary and added that her life has been an example of selfless service to poor and needy”Madr-e-Meharban stood like a rock against the conspirators of National Conference and infused a new vigour to the movement launched by Sher-e-Kashmir to seek socio-economic empowerment of the people, irrespective of caste, creed, region or religion”, he added.Chairperson NC ST, OBC Cell Babu Rampal paid tributes to Madr-e-Mehrban, saying her role in championing the cause of down-trodden and marginalised segments of society rekindled a new hope among them during most testing times. This led to slew of measures under successive National Conference governments for their welfare, he said, adding that their socio-economic emancipation witnessed a huge turnaround.Paying tributes to Madr-e-Mehbran, National Conference Women Wing Provincial President Mrs Satwant Kour Dogra recalled her role as a conscious-keeper of the party during imprisonment of Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah for 22 years. She said Madr-e-Meharban proved to be an affectionate mother, a dynamic leader and a great human being who had concern for the welfare and well-being of the people.Paying glowing tributes, Provincial Vice President Youth National Conference Ajaz Jan said, “Madr-e-Mehrban led the National Conference at a very crucial juncture of the political evolution of Jammu and Kashmir when Baba-e-Quom was in prison and infused strength in the party cadre to meet the challenges with fortitude.In her homage, Vice President State Women Wing Bimla Luthra recalled the contribution of Begum Sahiba in women emancipation and empowerment and said the best tribute to her would be to concentrate on improving the status of women and ensuring their dignity at all costs.Senior leaders including Ajay Kumar Sadhotra and Sheikh Bashir Ahmed also paid rich tributes to Madr-e-Mehrban and recalled her relentless efforts in seeking better life for women and down-trodden segments of the society.Also present on the occasion were Vijay Laxami Dutta, Vijay Lochan, Reeta Gupta, Swaran Latta, Pardeep Bali, Daljeet Sharma, Ashok Dogra, Nar Singh, Th. Yashu-vardan Singh, Pinki Bhat, Asha Mehra, Kuldeep Kour, Raj Kour, Waris Gill, Puspa Dogra, Rashida Begum, Rekha Manhas, Rekha Langeh Som Raj Taroch, Suresh Kotwal, Ch. Reyaz Ahmed, Col Rashid, S. Tejinder Singh, Rohit Bali, Jatin Bhat, Ifkthair Choudhary, Zamir Quershi, Pryianka Dogra, Charanjeet Kour, Dr. Faiza Choudhary, Shakutla Devi, S. Nirmal Singh, Kritik, Shubam, Amit and others.Reports of observing the death anniversary were received from all the district headquarters of the Jammu region where tributes were paid to Madr-e-Meharban.Earlier in the morning Fatheh-e-Khawani was also performed at Sher-e-Kashmir Bhawan.
