Srinagar, Sept 07: National Conference (NC) rank and file on Sunday paid tributes to party founder, “Sher e Kashmir” Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah, on his 43rd death anniversary, hailing him as “a man of iron will and unwavering dedication to the people of Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh”.
A party spokesperson, in a statement issued here, said, “A central commemorative event is set to take place at his mausoleum in Naseem Bagh, Hazratbal. The day will begin with Quran Khawani, floral tributes, and Fatiha Khawani, led by party president Dr Farooq Abdullah and vice president and honourable Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, alongside senior party functionaries. Similar tributes will be paid at Sher-i-Kashmir Bhawan in Jammu and other district headquarters across J&K and Ladakh.”
Describing “Sher-e-Kashmir” as a towering figure in the history of Jammu and Kashmir, the spokesperson said the late leader “transformed the region from a feudal, colonial society into a progressive, democratic, and secular one”.
The party leaders referred to him as a “political colossus” and a “father figure whose legacy still defines the region’s aspirations”.
“An ardent champion of socialism and democracy, Sher-e-Kashmir’s vision was captured in the ‘Naya Kashmir’ manifesto. This progressive charter promised freedom of the press, freedom of assembly, and the upliftment of the poor, regardless of caste, creed, religion, or region. His policies aimed to dismantle feudal structures through the abolition of landlordism and the redistribution of land to the tillers,” they said.
The statement added, “Sheikh sahib’s inclusive politics and deep commitment to pluralism earned him respect far beyond Jammu and Kashmir. He symbolised the collective voice of the Jammu and Kashmir people like no other leader of his time, and his name became synonymous across India with humanism, secularism, and social justice.”
The NC highlighted the secular composition of the first cabinet under Sheikh Abdullah’s leadership, which included leaders like GL Dogra, Sardar Budh Singh, Kushak Bakula, and DP Dhar, underscoring his inclusive vision.
“Sheikh Sahib’s political journey was not a quest for power, but a lifelong struggle for dignity, justice, and empowerment of the common people,” the statement read. “His spirit of tolerance and mutual respect continues to guide us today.”
The National Conference, the spokesperson said, is committed to the ideals its founder stood for: “unity, equality, and a just society for all”.
