Srinagar, June 22: On her maiden visit to Kashmir as Lok Sabha, Speaker, Meira Kumar, couldn’t resist to praise the “unmatched” beauty of Kashmir and her “succumbing to temptations” to visit famous Char Chinar located in the midst of the famed Dal Lake.
The five-time Member of Parliament and first woman Speaker of the Lok Sabha recounted, in a nostalgic tone, her previous sojourns to the “beautiful” land.
 “I feel nostalgic about coming to Kashmir. I used to visit the Valley frequently during my youth. But it was a long stay this time,” the 65-year old Meira told reporters. Last time she had visited Kashmir in 2005 and 07 in official capacity.
 Born to a Dalit family, Meira didn’t miss the chance to praise the beauty of Kashmir. “I must confess that its pristine beauty remains as attractive as earlier. It is so irresistible that I succumb to the temptations and took out some time to take a Shikara ride in Dal Lake. I went to Char Chinar and met tourists,” Meira said in chaste Urdu.
 The Dalit leader said: “Mujhe Pata Hai Halaat Kharab Hain Lekin in Halaat Main Bhi Log Yahan Khushi Khushi Aatay Hain Kyonki Ek Gahra Rishta Hai Jo Khench Kya Laata Hai. (I know the situation is not good here, still people happily visit Kashmir because of a deep relation which attracts them). She prayed for peace and prosperity of the state. “Hum Dua Kartay Hain Aman Aur Chain Key Liye.”
 The LS Speaker assured that Kashmiri version of the day-to-day proceedings of Parliament would be initiated as soon as the qualified interpreters become available.
 Asked why translation of Parliamentary business in Kashmiri is not being undertaken despite Kashmiri language existing in the 8th schedule of the Indian Constitution, Meira said that it was due to non-availability of qualified Kashmiri Interpreters and assured that as soon as  suitable hands become available the process would be started.

Lastupdate on : Tue, 22 Jun 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
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