As NC marks 120th birth anniversary of Sheikh Abdullah, no statement from J&K Lieutenant Governor

The National Conference (NC) on Friday, December 5, 2025, celebrated the 120th birth anniversary of Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah, party founder and former Chief Minister of the erstwhile State of Jammu and Kashmir, and vowed to take forward the mission of unity and social justice.

However, Lieutenant Governor of the current Union Territory of J&K, Manoj Sinha, refrained from making any statement on the issue. Mr. Sinha, whose office traditionally makes statements on anniversaries of prominent political figures, has already canceled Abdullah’s birth anniversary as a holiday in J&K’s official calendar. The proposal of the elected J&K Government to include the anniversary in the holiday list was rejected by Raj Bhavan last year.

Meanwhile, senior leaders of the National Conference, including president Farooq Abdullah and vice president Omar Abdullah, son and grandson of late Sheikh Abdullah, visited his grave to offer flowers. Mr. Ömer Abdullah emphasized that the founder of the party “lives in people’s hearts whether it is a public holiday or not”.

‘We stayed true to your vision’

“Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah gave voice to the voiceless, land to farmers and dignity to those who were long deprived of their rightful place in society. His struggle was rooted in courage and compassion and his dream was to build a just, inclusive and strong Jammu and Kashmir where every citizen could stand tall with pride,” said Mr. Omar Abdullah.

The J&K Chief Minister said the party was still “empowered by its ideals and determined to take forward its vision of progress, unity and social justice”. He added: “The legacy of Sher-e-Kashmir is not just a chapter in history but continues to breathe with the aspirations and achievements of our people.”

Speaking at the cemetery, Dr. Farooq Abdullah warned the party against “internal disagreements” and said, “It is necessary not only to make a statement, but to strengthen the party. Everyone makes a statement, but no one defines the issue. As long as you strengthen the party.”

‘He challenged oppression’

Criticizing the State Government’s performance, NC MP Aga Syed Ruhullah also paid tribute to the party founder. “Sheikh Abdullah’s political journey symbolized courage, resilience and unwavering commitment to public welfare. Sheikh Sahib spent his entire life challenging oppression and confronting systems that exploited ordinary people. His leadership embodied the collective aspirations and dignity of the people of J&K,” Mr. Ruhullah said.

NC MP Ruhullah said that it is the responsibility of the current generation to preserve the values ​​championed by Sheikh Abdullah and continue the mission to which he and his colleagues devoted their lives. “The day should inspire a renewed commitment towards unity, justice and democratic rights and ensure that the ideals of Baba-e-Kum remain guiding principles for the future,” Mr. Ruhullah added.