NC leaders pay tributes to Sheikh Abdullah on 43rd death anniversary

Srinagar, Sep 8: Jammu and Kashmir National Conference leadership and the party members on Monday paid rich tributes to Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah at Qaid Mazar, Naseem Bagh on his 43rd death anniversary. The party leaders and workers offered glowing tributes and paid respect to Shiekh Muhammad Abdullah.

NC President Dr Farooq Abdullah along with party Vice President and CM Omar Abdullah led party legislators, senior functionaries, and workers in offering floral to Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah. Dr Farooq Abdullah said “the greatest tribute to Sheikh Sahib would be to uphold his legacy, remain steadfast to his ideals, and serve the people with unwavering integrity and commitment.”

Advisor to J&K Chief Minister and NC leader Nasir Aslam Wani said they have been honouring sacrifices of Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah  for generations. "We can never forget his sacrifices. The existence of the people of J&K is because of the vision and struggle of Sher-e-Kashmir," he said.

He said that whether the government declares a holiday on this day or not, they will continue to commemorate it with devotion.

"This party was created in the spirit of public service, not for the sake of power. Our prayer is that Allah grants us the ability to serve our people in the best possible way," he said.

Cabinet minister Sakina Itoo while paying tributes said that Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah was known as the lion of Kashmir for his wisdom and leadership qualities. "His contribution in building roads, education and the health sector has remained unmatched till date. Till date we have not seen any parallel of SKIMS Srinagar. His decision in the education sector and his decision from land to tiller is still remembered by people of Jammu and Kashmir," she said.

She said that Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah empowered people to understand democracy. "If we go on counting his contribution, there will be no end. He left his mark not in J&K but at national and international level," she said.  Party Chief Spokesman and MLA Zadibal Tanvir Sadiq while talking to media persons paid rich tributes to Sheikh Abdullah and said his contributions in every sector cannot be forgotten.

A party statement said that earlier in the day, a majlis of Qur’an Khawani was organized at the reading room within the graveyard complex, where people from various walks of life gathered to recite the Holy Qur’an. The event was attended by cabinet ministers, legislators, and key office bearers from the party’s South, Central, and North Zones, as well as provincial and state functionaries.

Representatives of the party’s wing’s including the Youth National Conference (YNC), Women’s Wing, Media and Social Media Cells, Minority Wing, and Legal Cell were also present in large numbers.

Meanwhile, National Conference paid rich floral tributes to Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah on his 43rd death anniversary at Jammu. As per a party statement, the main commemorative event was held at the party’s provincial headquarter, Sher-e-Kashmir Bhawan in Jammu, where senior leaders and party functionaries gathered to honor his legacy.

The event was Chaired by Provincial President Jammu Rattan Lal Gupta and attended by Surinder Choudhary, Deputy Chief Minister, Ajay Kumar Sadhotra

Speaking on the occasion, Surinder Choudhary said in the form of a commitment to preserving the secular and inclusive identity of Jammu and Kashmir, a vision was championed by Sheikh Abdullah throughout his life.“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,” Choudhary said. Ajay Kumar Sadhotra emphasized “Sheikh sahib as a towering political figure and a lighthouse of Hindu-Muslim unity." He also highlighted the ongoing relief and rehabilitation measures being undertaken by the Omar Abdullah-led government in the aftermath of recent flooding, cloudbursts, and landslides across Jammu. “The government is committed to reaching the last person in the remotest village, regardless of caste, creed, or religion,” he said.

Provincial President Rattan Lal Gupta praised Sheikh Abdullah “as a visionary and a contemporary of Mahatma Gandhi who tirelessly worked to build bridges of amity and brotherhood during some of the most challenging periods in the subcontinent’s history.” “Preserving the idea of Jammu and Kashmir is like preserving the idea of India,” he stated.

Cabinet Minister Satish Sharma also addressed the gathering, recalling the pioneering Land Reforms Act introduced under Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah’s leadership. “This historic reform empowered farmers and changed the socio-economic fabric of Jammu and Kashmir, making them masters of their own destiny,” Sharma said.