JAMMU: Speaker, Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Advocate Abdul Rahim Rather, today addressed the Book Review event of ‘Durr-e-Naayaab’, a biography of Shaheed Wali Mohammad Itoo, at the Department of Urdu, University of Jammu.
The book, authored by Minister Sakeena Itoo, daughter of the late leader, chronicles the life and contributions of Shaheed 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, the Speaker paid glowing tributes to the late leader, describing him as “an able administrator and people-friendly leader, who sacrificed his life for the well-being of people of Jammu and Kashmir, especially the downtrodden communities.”
The Speaker recalled that Shaheed Wali Mohammad Itoo was a man of principles who remained committed to his principles and his party despite the turbulent times of militancy in the early nineties. “He never wanted to leave Kashmir in those difficult times and always desired to be among his people for their upliftment,” the Speaker said.
Remembering his close association with the late leader, the Speaker said, “In the year 1977, both of us were elected as first-time MLAs and this association changed into a close relation till he left us”. He added that his tenure as MLA, MLC, Minister or Speaker has been very noteworthy which left an indelible mark on those associated with him.
Paying glowing tributes, the speaker remarked on Shaheed Wali Mohammad Itoo as a great leader whose selfless work cannot be defined in words. The Speaker also said that a great leader has done a great favour to society by giving us a brave daughter, Sakeena Itoo, who is living the mission of her great father.
While lauding Minister Sakeena Itoo’s literary accomplishment, the Speaker said that despite being the most active Minister, she spared some time to write this extraordinary book, adding that this book will be a guide for the younger generation to do something for society, as it reflects deeply on life and the mission of a leader who dedicated himself to his people and his land.
On the occasion, the Speaker also lauded the Government and especially the Education Minister Sakeena Itoo for the exceptional performance of Government Schools in the 10th and 12th results declared yesterday. He underlined that the performance of students of Government Schools reflects the commitment towards the improvement of the Education sector over the last more than a year, adding that the teachers and the government deserve due credit for this.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister Sakeena spoke about the valuable and golden moments she shared with her father which became cornerstone for her to write this unique book. She also expressed her gratitude to former Chief Minister, Dr. Farooq Abdullah; Chief Minister Omar Abdullah; Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather and others for guiding her while penning this book.
Addressing the gathering, Vice Chancellor, Jammu University, Prof. Umesh Rai said that this book is an important asset for the younger people to acquaint themselves with the lifelong teachings and learnings of a great leader, who dedicated his life to the betterment of society. He also appreciated the author and Minister Sakeena Itoo for writing this book despite such a busy schedule.
He also announced that the University will provide every possible support for translating the book into English, Hindi or other local languages.
Speaking on the occasion, noted poet, writer and Sahitya Academy Awardee, Prof. Mohammad Zaman Azarduh, said that this book is a great tribute of a daughter to her father, highlighting the great contribution of a great leader who dedicated his life and everything for the welfare of people. He also lauded the author and Minister, Sakeena Itoo, for keeping the mission of her father alive by dedicating herself to society as a public representative and Minister.
In his welcome address, Professor & Head of the Department of Urdu, Prof. Shohab Inayat Malik, remembered his close association with the late leader. He added that the late leader had a very soft corner towards his people, and he always remained at the forefront in helping others.
On the occasion, Assistant Professor, Dr. Sehnaz Qadri also read a review of the book ‘Durr-e-Naayaab’, which captivated the audience to read this book.
Pertinently, the book was released by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in the month of October 2025 at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC), Srinagar.
Dean Research Studies, Jammu University, Prof. Neelu Rohmetra; noted poet and Sahitya Academy Awardee Manshoor Banihali; Author and Tribal Social Reformer, Javaid Rahi; Professors, faculty members, and a large number of students were also present on the occasion.
