On the 44th anniversary of Sheikh Abdullah’s death, NC reclaims his political legacy through archival videos

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, September 8, 2026. Photo credit: Special arrangement

Marking the 44th death anniversary of party founder Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah on Tuesday (September 8, 2026), the ruling National Conference (NC) refrained from making any political statements and instead focused on reclaiming the party leader’s political legacy by streaming archive videos.

J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and NC President Dr. Farooq Abdullah visited the tomb of Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah, also known as ‘Baba-e-Qaum’ and ‘Sher-e-Kashmir’, at Nigeen, Srinagar and paid their respects. Senior NC leaders also joined the special prayers at the cemetery.

Paying tribute, Mr Abdullah said the Sheikh was a “tall leader whose place in the history and collective memory of Jammu and Kashmir remains eternal”.

“His name lives on for generations in the stories, memories and emotions of Kashmir. Today we remember him not only for the place he occupies in our history but also for the lasting bond he shared with the people of J&K,” Mr. Abdullah said.

In a rare tribute, the party’s social media is curating streaming archival videos about the sheikh to focus on his political legacy, which included the funeral procession of the party’s founder. In one such video, former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was seen visiting the grieving Abdullahs in Srinagar and consoling the Sheikh’s wife.

“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,” Mr Abdullah said while sharing one of Sheikh’s videos on social media platforms.

Speaking on the occasion in Jammu, J&K Minister Satish Sharma reiterated the commitment to preserve the secular and inclusive identity of Jammu and Kashmir, “a vision championed by Sheikh Abdullah throughout his life”.

“The NC remains steadfast in its mission to protect the rights of all people, to ensure freedom of religion, equality and unity in diversity. To uphold this spirit and isolate those who spread hatred is a true tribute to Sheikh Sahib,” Mr Sharma said. He also recalled the pioneering Land Reform Act introduced under his leadership and said “this historic reform empowered farmers and changed the socio-economic fabric of J&K, making them masters of their own destiny”.

The founder of NC, who was forced out of the political scene, arrested and transferred out of the former state in 1953, his party has ruled J&K for decades. Sheikh has left behind a saga of sweet and bitter relations with the Center and has always pushed for the restoration of J&K’s position as a pre-1953 political settlement.

Published – 9 Sep 2026 03:55 IST