Jammu, Dec 05: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Thursday said upholding secular values is the greatest tribute to Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah, saying the National Conference founder was one of the most respected leaders of his time in the subcontinent.
“We are proud heirs of his remarkable legacy,” Choudhary said, highlighting the landmark Land Reforms Act introduced by Sheikh Abdullah, which transformed the lives of farmers by making them owners of their land overnight.
The Deputy CM said Sheikh Abdullah spent 22 years in jail to protect the dignity and aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. “His dedication to their rights and self-respect remains an inspiration for all of us. The best way to honour Sheikh Abdullah is by fostering unity and harmony among Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs,” he said.
Surinder urged party workers to pledge their commitment to preserving the legacy of brotherhood and communal harmony that Sheikh Abdullah left behind.
The Deputy CM made these remarks at a function marked to commemorate the 119th birth anniversary of Sheikh Abdullah at Sher-e-Kashmir Bhawan, Jammu.
Javed Rana, Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest & Tribal Affairs, Ajay Kumar Sadhotra former minister and Additional General Secretary also addressed the function which was presided over by Rattan Lal Gupta Advocate Provincial President Jammu. The party paid tribute to the late leader for his “monumental contributions” to the region and its people.
Minister Javed Rana in his address said, “Sheikh Abdullah, through his charismatic political career, symbolized the hopes and aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir in a way no one else could even imagine.”
He highlighted Sheikh Abdullah’s efforts to uplift the tribal communities, including the Gujjars and Bakerwals. “Sheikh Sahib ensured the establishment of Gujjar-Bakarwal hostels in every district to support their education and welfare. If we want to make India a ‘Vishwaguru’ (world leader), we must follow the path shown by Sheikh Sahib, embracing secularism, communal harmony, and brotherhood,” he said.
In his address, Ajay Sadhotra highlighted the “visionary” leadership of Sheikh Abdullah and his lifelong commitment to the welfare of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Sadhotra said the National Conference government must prioritize protecting the land and job rights of the people of J&K, ensuring their future is secure and their aspirations are fulfilled.
Paying tributes to Sheikh Abdullah, Rattan Lal Gupta said, “Sheikh Abdullah was not just a political leader, but a visionary who dedicated his life to securing the rights and dignity of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Sheikh Sahib’s unwavering commitment to secularism, justice and equality has left an indelible mark on the region’s history.”
He further asserted that Jammu and Kashmir is a sensitive region, and it is imperative for the central government to restore statehood to its people to safeguard their rights and aspirations.
The provincial president urged party workers to prepare for the upcoming panchayat elections with renewed zeal to ensure that the voices of the people are heard and their concerns addressed at every level of governance.
