Srinagar, June 26: Tributes were paid to Jagger Nath Watel, a veteran freedom fighter and kisan leader who breathed his last at 94 on June 19, 2018 at Jammu.
A condolence meeting was organized by CPI(M) at Srinagar to pay homage to the departed soul.
Due to pathetic and pitiable condition of the peasantry, he at the very young age got associated with the peasant movement in the valley, espoused their cause and relentlessly worked to organize the peasantry especially in south Kashmir to emancipate them from the clutches of the feudalistic exploitation. During the struggle, he came into contact with progressive leadership of the time including G.M.Sadiq, Syed Mir Qasim, D.P.Dhar, R.P.Saraf, Krishan Dev Sethi and others. He always strived hard for ushering of democratic values of socialism, individual liberty, secularism and strengthening of plural ethos and composite culture.
The statement said that being associated with progressive ideology, he believed in Kashmiryat– symbol of unity among various communities, regions and social groups on the strong basis of the teachings of Lal Ded, Sheikh Noor-u-din Noorani and Sufism.
“A democrat, social reformer and advocate of peace, he yearned for cooperation among nations to resolve all the conflicts by mutual deliberations through peaceful means. He was of the view that any conflict in the region should be regarded as threat to the peace, security and progress of human development,” added the statement.
Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami, senior CPI(M) leader and MLA in his homage to the departed soul highlighted his role in farmers and progressive movement especially in South Kashmir and expressed sympathy with the bereaved family.
