NC pays tribute to Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah on his birth anniversary

Srinagar, Dec 4: National Conference rank and file today paid glowing tributes to J Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, on his 119th birth anniversary, hailing him as a man of unwavering determination and strength, a press release said.

“All party leaders, functionaries, and workers gathered to pay homage to the legendary Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, hailing him as a father figure and political giant who transformed Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh from a feudal and colonial society into a free, democratic, and secular one. Described as an inspirational political stalwart, Sher-e-Kashmir was praised for embodying the hopes and dreams of the Kashmiri people like no other. Despite his roots in Kashmir, he rose to national prominence, with his name becoming synonymous with socialism, humanism, pluralism, and democracy in the minds of all Indians,” the press release added.

The party leaders emphasised Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah's visionary “Naya Kashmir” manifesto, which bore a distinctively socialist imprint, guaranteeing freedoms of the press, assembly, and meetings. His vision aimed to ensure a decent standard of living for all residents of the state, regardless of their background, by advocating for the abolition of landlordism, land redistribution to farmers, and public control over state resources, the press release said.

“In honouring the legacy of Sheikh Sahib, the functionaries vowed to uphold his ideals and continue working towards a more just and equitable society for all. Sheikh Abdullah's influence and impact on the region were truly unparalleled, leaving an indelible mark on the history and future of Jammu and Kashmir,” the press release said.

The leaders said the spirit of secularism and tolerance possessed by Sheikh Sahib was the cumulative effect of the environment which generation after generation has fine-tuned the psyche of Kashmiris. “Sheikh sahib was not any different, he also exhibited the spirit of tolerance, mutual respect and camaraderie towards all sects and creeds. A mass movement organizer, Sheikh Sahib’s struggle was never aimed to alleviate the suffering of particular followers of a faith,” they said.

“He worked tirelessly and suffered incarcerations throughout for the total redemption of the people in Jammu and Kashmir from abject poverty. He gave a new lease of life to the fear paralysed people of all the regions of J&K. The first cabinet he headed was insightful of his secular temperament. People like GL Dogra, Sardar Budh Singh, Kushak Bakula and DP Dhar were given important portfolios in the cabinet he headed,” the functionaries said.