Former Congress legislator Arman is no more

Kishtwar: former Legislator and political activist Ghulam Hassan Arman died, here on Monday morning, after prolonged illness. He was 75.

Hundreds of people, including political leaders from most of the parties, participated in the Nimaz-e-Jinaza of the deceased in the evening following which he was laid to rest in Kishtwar graveyard.

He was the lone Congress leader, who defeated, National Conference from Kishtwar constituency and was elected to the state Legislative Assembly in the year 1983. He was also elected to Legislative Council in the year 1989.

Known for his honesty and dedication, Arman was once the most powerful Congress leader of the Chenab Valley and played active role in the agitations launched in Kishtwar for grant of district status and establishment of Degree College.

Meanwhile, number of political and social leaders have condoled the demise of Arman.

Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, in a condolence message, said that late leader served the people sincerely and highlighted their grievances and demands at various forums during his political career.

Abdullah conveyed deep sorrow and expressed sympathy with the bereaved family. He prayed for the eternal peace to the departed soul.

In a condolence message, MLA Kishtwar Sajad Ahmed Kichloo and District president NC Tanveer Ahmed said that the void created due to the demise of Arman is impossible to be filled up in near future.

MLA Bhaderwah Muhammad Sharief Naiz expressed condolence with the bereaved family and prayed peace for the departed soul.

District president PDP Shaqir Hussain Sidiqi and District president PDP Youth Ishtiyaq Hussain Waza, in a joint statement, termed Arman as the leader of utmost honesty and commitment, who has always worked for the betterment of people and upliftment of the downtrodden.A condolence meeting of Youth Congress workers of Kishtwar was held, under the chairmanship of Sheikh Nasir Advocate. In the meeting which was attended by large number of Youth Congress workers, expressed shock over the demise of Arman. While speaking in the meeting Sheikh Nasir, Advocate said that Arman was an epitome of secularism and honesty and by his demise the region has suffered an irreparable loss. Sheikh prayed for peace to the departed soul and expressed his sympathy with the bereaved family. Besides others Jalal-ud-Din, Munish Kumar, Zahid Hussain, Waqar Ahmed and Asif Ali were also present in the meeting.

A condolence meeting was held under the chairmanship of GM Saroori, EX Minister to condole the demise.

Terming the deceased leader as a great political thinker and philanthropist Saroori said that role played by Ghulam Hassan Arman in the formulation of Wazir Commission would be remembered by the generation to come.

Ghulam Mustfa Azad, Gulchain Singh Charak, Janak Raj Gupta, Gharu Ram, Pawan Rana, Vinod Mishrah, Vinod Sharma, SP Verma, Hamid Choudhary and Om Parkash Sharma were amnong others present in the meeting.