Srinagar, Sep 08 (KNO): National Conference (NC) leaders led by its president Dr Farooq Abdullah and Vice President & Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday paid tributes to party founder "Sher-e-Kashmir" Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah on his 43rd death anniversary.
The party leaders, along with scores of workers, visited Sheikh Abdullah’s mausoleum in Naseem Bagh, Hazratbal, where Quran Khawani, floral tributes and Fatiha Khawani were held.
Speaking on the occasion, Advisor to CM, Nasir Aslam Wani, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said that the party has been remembering its leader for generations. “We cannot forget his (Sheikh Abdullah’s) sacrifices. Today, we pay our homage to the leader. The very identity of the people here is rooted in the vision and struggle of Sher-e-Kashmir,” he said.
Wani further said the National Conference would continue to observe the day in Sheikh Abdullah’s memory, regardless of its status as an official holiday by the government. “It is our responsibility to remember him and the many elders who laid down their lives for our future. This party was built on the foundation of public service, not a quest for power. Our sincere prayer is that Allah blesses us with the strength to serve our people in the most dedicated way,” he said.
Tributes were also paid at Sher-i-Kashmir Bhawan in Jammu and other district headquarters across J&K and Ladakh.
The party hailed Sheikh Abdullah as "a man of iron will and unwavering dedication to the people of Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh".
Describing "Sher-e-Kashmir" as a towering figure in the history of Jammu and Kashmir, the National Conference rank and file said he 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.
The NC also 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 reads. “His spirit of tolerance and mutual respect continues to guide us today.”
"We are committed to the ideals Sheikh Abdullah stood for: unity, equality, and a just society for all," the NC said. (KNO)