Member of JK Constituent Assembly Jeelani passes away

SRINAGAR: Peerzada Ghulam Jeelani, veteran political stalwart and member of Jammu and Kashmir Constituent Assembly, has died at the age of 91 after a brief illness. "Jeelani sahib was not feeling well for some time and died in peace at his Pampore residence last evening," a family member said. Born on September 24, 1924 at Pampore, Jeelani was the member of the Constituent Assembly and was then

elected to Lower House of J&K Legislature in 1957 on National Conference ticket. He retained the seat in 1962 and from 1967 to 1972, he was member of the Legislative Council. Jeelani, after remaining active with National Conference, had switched for a brief stint to the Congress. Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, which is in session, paid rich tributes to the deceased leader for his contribution in public life. Soon after the House met today, Speaker Kavinder Gupta detailed the political career of Jeelani and said that his contribution is huge. The Lawmakers observed a two-minute silence as a mark of respect for the departed soul.

Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti condoled the demise of Jeelani and lauded his contribution in the religious, social and political spheres of the state.

She said his immense contribution in social and economic uplift of his people would be remembered for long.

Expressing solidarity with the bereaved family, the Chief Minister prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul.

National Conference President Farooq Abdullah and Working President Omar Abdullah expressed profound grief and sorrow over the demise of Jeelani and extended their heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family especially to Justice (Retd) Hasnain Masoodi and NC youth leader Yawar Masoodi.

Expressing deep sorrow and grief over the demise of Jeelani, state Congress chief G A Mir termed his death as a "great loss" to the state.

Mir offered condolences to the family members of Peerzada and prayed for peace to departed soul.

The deceased was laid to rest at his Pampore ancestral graveyard this morning.

A large number of people including former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah participated in his 'Nimaz-e-Jinazah' (prayer before burial), officials said.