A jewel in the crown of Tangmarg, Mohd. Akbar Lone was born and brought up in Ferozpora Tangmarg a well-known hamlet situated in the foothills of Pirpanchal range and world famous Gulmarg. A benign, godfearing and noble soul joined politics in 1956 with only one commitment; to serve his people. He contested the assembly elections in the 1957 and became the 1st representative from Gulmarg to reach state assembly representing National Conference, much to the delight to the people of Tangmarg.
As the political journey of this tall leader continued and again in the year 1977 he won the Assembly seat under the chief minister ship of Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah. He was the 1st MLA of Gulmarg constituency and gained the trust of people to continue his services for the people of his area.
Mr. Lone was popularly known as Zaildar sab who had earned a good repute and respect among common masses. Since it has been more than 30 years of his death, he is still remembered for his contribution towards the society. Everyone lives and leaves, death spares none what is left behind is analysed here and reckoned hereafter. Though he belonged to a well-off and socially influential family but he spent his entire span of life serving common masses to remain connected with his people for no interest of his own.
During his political career, he rubbed his shoulders with the stalwarts like Pandit Nehru and after meeting Pt. Nehru his outlook towards the politics changed drastically. He was more focused on the welfare of the people of Kashmir in particular to his constituency, Gulmarg.
He realised that the strong political representation is the only means of eradicating illiteracy and backwardness of his area. With his outlook towards the politics, many current influential political leaders of his area got inspired and are well known till today after taking inspiration from his career.
Mr. Lone will be remembered for his generosity, sincerity and compassion. His contribution towards society will be remembered for a very long time to come. He ruled the hearts of the people . Apart from political life, he was a strong believer of Sufism. He practiced Islam till his last breath and was known for his God-fearing nature and humbleness. He had a strong bond with his elder brother namely Habibullah lone alias Hablala who would be seen accompanying him almost everywhere, even would not take meals in his absence. His brother was almost everything for him and the only time he would spend without him was when was outside of his constituency or attending his official work outside the erstwhile state.
Mr Lone left for heavenly abode in the year 1st of March, 1984 and left a political vacuum in Gulmarg for a very long time. Thousands of people from all over the valley came to Ferozpora Tangmarg to bid an audie to this noble soul.
Author Rayees Ahmad can be reached at [email protected]
