Jammu, January 15, 2026 : Speaker of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Advocate Abdul Rahim Rather, on Thursday addressed a book review event of ‘Durr-e-Naayaab’, a biography of Shaheed Wali Mohammad Itoo, organised by the Department of Urdu at the University of Jammu.
Authored by Minister Sakeena Itoo, daughter of the late leader, the book chronicles the life, political journey and sacrifices of Shaheed Wali Mohammad Itoo, a former Minister and Speaker of the J&K Legislative Assembly, who was assassinated in Jammu on March 18, 1994.
Paying rich tributes to the late leader, Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather described him as “an able administrator and people-friendly leader who laid down his life for the welfare of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly the downtrodden sections of society.”
Recalling the turbulent period of militancy in the early 1990s, the Speaker said Shaheed Itoo remained steadfast to his principles and never abandoned his people despite grave threats to his life.
“He never wanted to leave Kashmir during those difficult times and always wished to remain among his people for their upliftment,” Rather said.
Sharing personal memories, the Speaker said both he and Shaheed Itoo were elected as first-time MLAs in 1977, a professional association that later evolved into a close personal bond.
“Whether as an MLA, MLC, Minister or Speaker, his tenure was remarkable and left an indelible impression on all those associated with him,” he added.
Lauding Minister Sakeena Itoo for her literary contribution, the Speaker said the book would serve as a guiding force for the younger generation, reflecting the life and mission of a leader who dedicated himself entirely to public service.
He further remarked that Shaheed Itoo’s greatest legacy was his daughter, saying, “The late leader rendered a great service to society by giving us a brave and committed daughter in Sakeena Itoo, who is carrying forward her father’s mission.”
The Speaker also congratulated the government and Education Minister Sakeena Itoo for the improved performance of government schools in the recently declared Class 10 and 12 board examinations, attributing the success to sustained efforts in strengthening the education sector.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister Sakeena Itoo said the book was inspired by the golden memories and life lessons she shared with her father. She expressed gratitude to former Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather and others for guiding her during the writing process.
Vice Chancellor of Jammu University, Prof. Umesh Rai, termed the book an important asset for young readers, enabling them to learn from the life and teachings of a great leader. He also announced that the University would extend full support for translating the book into English, Hindi and other local languages.
Renowned poet, writer and Sahitya Akademi Awardee Prof. Mohammad Zaman Azarduh described ‘Durr-e-Naayaab’ as a heartfelt tribute of a daughter to her father, highlighting Shaheed Itoo’s lifelong dedication to public welfare.
Earlier, Head of the Department of Urdu, Prof. Shohab Inayat Malik, recalled his close association with the late leader, describing him as a compassionate public figure always at the forefront of helping others.
Assistant Professor Dr. Sehnaz Qadri presented a detailed review of the book, which deeply engaged the audience.
The book was earlier released by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in October 2025 at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC), Srinagar.
Several dignitaries, including Dean Research Studies Prof. Neelu Rohmetra, Sahitya Akademi Awardee Manshoor Banihali, author and tribal social reformer Javaid Rahi, faculty members and a large number of students, were present on the occasion.
