National Conference streams Sheikh Abdullah archival videos to reclaim political legacy

The ruling National Conference marked the 44th death anniversary of its founder Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah by streaming archival videos to reclaim his political legacy rather than issuing new policy statements. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and party president Dr. Farooq Abdullah visited the Sheikh's grave at Nigeen in Srinagar on Tuesday (September 8, 2026) to pay tributes.

Omar Abdullah described the Sheikh, known as "Baba-e-Qaum" and "Sher-e-Kashmir", as "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," he said.

Archival footage underscores political inheritance

In what the party described as a rare tribute, NC's social media handles streamed archival videos including footage of the Sheikh's funeral procession. One video showed former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi 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," Abdullah wrote while sharing the videos on social media.

J&K minister Satish Sharma, speaking in Jammu, reiterated the party's 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," Sharma said.

Sharma also recalled the pioneering Land Reforms Act introduced under Sheikh Abdullah's leadership, calling it "this historic reform [that] empowered farmers and changed the socio-economic fabric of J&K, making them masters of their own destiny".

The Sheikh, who was dislodged from the political scene, arrested and shifted outside the erstwhile State in 1953, left behind a complex legacy of relations with the Centre. He consistently pushed for the restoration of J&K's pre-1953 position as a political settlement. His party has ruled J&K for decades since his era.

Source: The Hindu