Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and NC President Farooq Abdullah paid tributes to Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah on his 44th death anniversary at his graveyard in Srinagar, on Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026.
| Photo Credit: Special arrangement
Ruling National Conference (NC) on the 44th death anniversary of party founder Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah on Tuesday (September 8, 2026) desisted from making any policy statements and instead focussed on reclaiming the political legacy of the party leader by streaming archival videos.
J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and NC president Dr. Farooq Abdullah visited the grave of the Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah, also known as “Baba-e-Qaum” and “Sher-e-Kashmir”, at Nigeen in Srinagar and paid tributes. Senior NC leaders also joined the special prayers at the graveyard.
Paying his tributes, Mr. Abdullah said the Sheikh was “a towering leader whose place in the history and collective memory of Jammu & Kashmir remains eternal”.
“For generations, his name has lived on in the stories, memories and emotions of Kashmir. Today, we remember him not only for the place he holds in our history, but for the enduring bond he shared with the people of J&K,” said Mr. Abdullah.
In a rare tribute, the party social media handles streamed archival videos on the Sheikh to put focus on his political legacy, which included the funeral procession of the party founder. In one such video former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi could be seen visiting the grieving Abdullahs in Srinagar and consoling the wife of the Sheikh.
“His legacy remains an integral part of our history. His life was dedicated to the dignity, rights and aspirations of the people of J&K,” said Mr. Abdullah, while sharing one of the videos of the Sheikh on social media platforms.
Speaking on the occasion in Jammu, J&K minister Satish Sharma reiterated the commitment to preserving the secular and inclusive identity of Jammu and Kashmir, “a vision championed by Sheikh Abdullah throughout his life”.
“NC 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,” said Mr. Sharma. He also recalled the pioneering Land Reforms Act introduced under his leadership, saying “this historic reform empowered farmers and changed the socio-economic fabric of J&K, making them masters of their own destiny.”
The NC founder, who was dislodged from the political scene, arrested and shifted outside the erstwhile State in 1953, and his party has ruled J&K for decades. The Sheikh has left behind a saga of sweet and bitter relations with the Centre and always pushed for the restoration of the pre-1953 position of J&K as a political settlement.
Published – September 09, 2026 03:55 am IST
