Sheikh Abdullah’s Legacy Revisited: NC Leaders Pay Homage Amid Shifting Political Landscape
Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah offered floral tributes and recited Fateha at the grave of the NC founder. The gathering reflected Sheikh Abdullah’s towering role in steering J&K through some of its most defining political moments. Leaders recalled how his leadership transformed the NC into a mass movement and how his policies—particularly land reforms—altered the socio-economic landscape of the region
SRINAGAR: National Conference (NC) leaders and workers, led by party president Farooq Abdullah and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, gathered on Tuesday at the mausoleum of Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah in Naseem Bagh near revered Hazratbal shrine, to mark his 44th death anniversary. They invoked his legacy not merely as history, but as a living guidepost for navigating the present and shaping the future of Jammu and Kashmir.
The atmosphere was solemn yet deeply evocative, as senior party leaders, legislators, functionaries, and workers assembled to honour the man whose political vision, as per them, shaped the modern history of J&K and opposed Muhammad Ali Jinnah's two-nation theory, choosing instead to align with a secular India rather than Pakistan
Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah offered floral tributes and recited Fateha at the grave of the NC founder. The gathering reflected Sheikh Abdullah’s towering role in steering J&K through some of its most defining political moments. Leaders recalled how his leadership transformed the NC into a mass movement and how his policies—particularly land reforms—altered the socio-economic landscape of the region. They emphasised that Sheikh Abdullah’s legacy continues to serve as a moral and political compass for the party and remains deeply embedded in the collective memory of the people.
Speaking at the event, SeniorAbdullah delivered an emotional and reflective address, invoking both nostalgia and political clarity. He reminded the audience of Sheikh Abdullah’s lifelong commitment to justice, dignity, and the empowerment of ordinary people. “Sher-e-Kashmir (the Lion of Kashmir as the Sheikh was known to his supporters) dedicated his life to ensuring that every citizen of Jammu and Kashmir could live with honour,” he said, stressing that the best tribute to the Sheikh would be to uphold the values he championed. In a pointed reference to contemporary political challenges, Farooq Abdullah added, “We must not allow divisive forces to weaken the unity he built. Our strength lies in standing together, just as he taught us.”
In Jammu, the main commemorative event was held at Sher-e-Kashmir Bhawan, where senior party leaders gathered to celebrate Sheikh Abdullah’s secular vision, landmark land reforms, and his enduring message of unity and brotherhood. The event, chaired by NC provincial president Rattan Lal Gupta, was attended by several prominent leaders including Satish Sharma, Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs. Sharma reiterated the party’s commitment to preserving the inclusive identity of J&K—a vision he described as central to Sheikh Abdullah’s political philosophy. “National Conference remains steadfast in its mission to safeguard the rights of all people, ensuring freedom of religion, equality, and unity in diversity. Upholding this spirit and isolating those who spread hate is the true tribute to Sheikh Sahib,” he said. He also highlighted the transformative impact of the Land Reforms Act introduced under Sheikh Abdullah’s leadership, noting that it empowered farmers and reshaped the socio-economic fabric of the region.
Sheikh Abdullah served as the first Prime Minister of erstwhile state of J&K and remained one of the most influential political figures of his time. His tenure came to an abrupt end on August 9, 1953, when he was dismissed and detained following deepening political differences with his long‑time friend and colleague, Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. What followed was a prolonged 22‑year political struggle centred on the demand for a plebiscite, during which Sheikh Abdullah became the symbol of Kashmir’s political aspirations. His return to power in 1975, as Chief Minister of J&K, came through the historic accord signed with Prime Minister Indira Gandhi—an agreement that formally ended his plebiscite movement and marked a significant shift in the region’s political trajectory. His passing on September 8, 1982, closed a defining chapter in Kashmir’s modern history, yet his towering legacy continues to shape political discourse and public memory across the region.
The anniversary also revived discussions around the post-2019 administrative decisions that altered the symbolic calendar of J&K. Following the abrogation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of the erstwhile state, the Lieutenant Governor-led administration cancelled official holidays on July 13 (Kashmir Martyrs’ Day) and December 5 (Sheikh Abdullah’s birth anniversary). The move drew sharp criticism from regional parties including the NC and the People’s Democratic Party, who argued that erasing such dates undermined the region’s historical and political identity. Meanwhile, the administration declared October 26—the day Maharaja Hari Singh signed the Instrument of Accession—as an official holiday, and later added September 23 to commemorate the last Dogra Maharaja’s birth anniversary.