Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Dec 5: The National Conference on Friday paid rich tributes to its founder, late Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, on his 120th birth anniversary.
A senior NC leader said that commemorative events were held across the Union Territory, including Naseem Bagh, Srinagar and Sher-e-Kashmir Bhawan, Jammu.
In Srinagar, NC President Dr. Farooq Abdullah while addressing party workers and supporters, remembered Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah as a leader who gave voice to the voiceless. “The progress we see today is the result of Sheikh Sahib’s vision and courage. His politics was rooted in service, compassion, and justice,” he said.
Dr Farooq also called for unity and discipline within the party and urged young and educated men and women to take active roles in politics ahead of upcoming Urban Local Body and Panchayat elections.
He defended the government’s performance, noting that major powers rest with the Lieutenant Governor, but affirmed that the NC would fulfill its promises over the next four years. “The best tribute to Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah is to carry forward his mission of justice, equality and people’s welfare,” he said.
In Jammu, the commemorative function at Sher-e-Kashmir Bhawan was chaired by Provincial President Rattan Lal Gupta. Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary and Cabinet Minister Satish Sharma offered floral tributes, recalling Sheikh Sahib’s contributions to social justice, secularism and land reforms.
Addressing the gathering, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary said, “Sheikh sahib not only uplifted the people of Jammu and Kashmir economically and socially but also stood as a towering symbol of secularism across the subcontinent.”
He also criticised the BJP for “polluting the atmosphere of Jammu and Kashmir by communalising the allotment of seats at the Vaishno Devi Medical College,” asserting that “NEET recognises only merit, not religion.”
“Any attempt to communalise the selection process will create hatred and division, which the National Conference will not allow under any circumstances.”
Minister Satish Sharma also, highlighted the achievements of the Omar Abdullah government, noting that it had presented the first full budget for J&K since the loss of statehood, earmarked Rs: 815 crore for agriculture, initiated the establishment of a J&K Skill & Entrepreneurship University, restored the historic Durbar Move, approved one-time age relaxation for JKCCE-2025 aspirants and revised the reservation policy, which now awaits final approval from the Lieutenant Governor.
He added that initiatives such as free transport for women and enhanced ration quotas mark a decisive shift toward governance focused on welfare and inclusive development.
Ajay Kumar Sadhotra former minister and Additional General Secretary Jammu, while recalling Sheikh Abdullah’s legacy, said: “Sheikh sahib’s greatest achievement was not just shaping the politics of Jammu & Kashmir, but awakening a people giving them a voice, a dignity, and a dream of justice that continues to inspire generations.”
Echoing him, Provincial President Rattan Lal Gupta said: “Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah sahib transformed the destiny of Jammu & Kashmir by replacing fear with hope and inequality with opportunity.”
“His land reforms empowered the poor, his politics gave dignity to the unheard, and his vision laid the foundation of modern Kashmir. Generations may debate his decisions, but none can deny that he reshaped the soul of the Valley with courage, compassion and an unshakeable belief in his people.” Gupta said as demanding restore statehood to J&K by bringing restoration of Statehood bill in the current Parliament session.
Meanwhile, a special Quran Khawani was organised by Senior Leader G H Malik.
All the district presidents Jammu Province organized events at their district headquarters i.e Ramban, Doda, Kishtwar, Doda Rural (Bhaderwah), Rajouri Urban, Rajouri Rural, Poonch, Gool-Gulabgarh, Reasi, Udhampur Urban, Udhampur Rural, Kathua Urban, Kathua Rural and Billawar (Org).
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah visited the mausoleum of Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, a statement said.
He recalled the unparalleled role played by the iconic leader in shaping the political and social landscape of Jammu & Kashmir.
At the mausoleum, the Chief Minister, accompanied by Dr. Farooq Abdullah and Several Ministers, Speaker Legislative Assembly Advocate Abdul Raheem Rather, Members of Legislative Assembly among others, offered floral tributes. Special prayers (Fateha) were also offered, seeking peace for the departed soul and reaffirming a collective pledge to uphold his values, the statement added.
The statement future reads, speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said that Sher-e-Kashmir’s life and work remain a guiding force for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He noted that Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah envisioned a society built on dignity, equality and communal harmony, and his message continues to resonate across generations. The Chief Minister added that Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah stood for self-reliance, justice and peace at a time when the subcontinent was marked by turbulence and division, and that his ideals would continue to inspire future generations.
“A large number of people were present at Naseem Bagh to honour the legacy of Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah and recall his monumental contributions to the political and social awakening of the region,” it reads.
