Srinagar, Sep 08 (KNO): National Conference (NC) on Tuesday paid tributes to its founder Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah on his 44th death anniversary at his grave in Naseem Bagh, Srinagar, with party leaders, legislators, workers and supporters gathering to remember the late leader.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and NC president Dr Farooq Abdullah visited Sheikh Abdullah’s grave and paid floral tributes. They offered Fateha and prayed at his grave. The party leaders, MLAs, senior party functionaries, workers and supporters also paid homage to the late leader.
Speaking on the occasion, Advisor to the Chief Minister and senior NC leader Nasir Aslam Wani said people had gathered to offer their heartfelt tributes to “Sher-e-Kashmir”.
"The people of Jammu and Kashmir owe a great debt to Sheikh Abdullah," Wani, as reported by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said, adding that if anyone had given them a voice, secured their rights or provided them education, it is all because of "Sher-e-Kashmir".
NC MP Chowdhary Ramzan said people from across Jammu and Kashmir gather every year to pay heartfelt tributes to Sheikh Abdullah for his invaluable contribution.
NC chief spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq said Sheikh Abdullah’s contributions were “beyond measure”, particularly in education, healthcare and fostering communal harmony among the people.
He said Sheikh Abdullah transformed Kashmir’s political landscape through the introduction of land reforms, describing it as a legacy that the younger generation should understand and draw inspiration from.
“Most notably, he transformed the political landscape of Kashmir overnight with a single stroke of the pen when he introduced land reforms. This is a legacy that today’s youth need to understand and draw inspiration from,” Sadiq said.
NC spokesperson Imran Nabi Dar said the day represented “the spirit of our collective struggle”. "The struggle led by Sheikh Abdullah gave Jammu and Kashmir its identity and empowered its people to walk with their heads held high," he said.
Speaking on the occasion, MLA Hazratbal Salman Sagar noted the large turnout of people from diverse backgrounds at Naseem Bagh.
He said the enduring reverence for Sheikh Abdullah stemmed from his steadfast commitment to principles, unwavering advocacy for peace and developmental vision. "These were values in which people continue to place their trust," he said.
Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, popularly known as “Sher-e-Kashmir”, remains one of the central figures in Jammu and Kashmir’s modern political history. He served as the first elected Prime Minister of Jammu and Kashmir and passed away on September 8, 1982—(KNO)