NC leaders pay glowing tributes to Sher-e-Kashmir on his 120th Birth Anniversary in SK Bhawan, Jammu

• Choudhary, Satish, Sadhotra, Gupta  recall Sher-e-Kashmir’s contribution to social justice, land reforms, and secularism; highlight governance milestones of Omar Abdullah led elected Govt

JAMMU: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference on Friday paid glowing tributes to Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah on his 120th birth anniversary at Sher-e-Kashmir Bhawan, Jammu. The function was chaired by Rattan Lal Gupta Provincial President Jammu. The commemorative event was led by Senior Leader and Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary Chief Guest and Satish Sharma Honble Cabinet Minister, offered floral tributes to the iconic leader. 

Addressing the gathering, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary said that Sheikh sahib not only uplifted the people of Jammu and Kashmir economically and socially but also stood as a towering symbol of secularism across the subcontinent. He criticised the BJP for “polluting the atmosphere of Jammu and Kashmir by communalising the allotment of seats at the Vaishno Devi Medical College,” asserting that “NEET recognises only merit, not religion. Any attempt to communalise the selection process will create hatred and division, which the National Conference will not allow under any circumstances.”

Hon’ble Minister Satish Sharma highlighted the achievements of the Omar Abdullah government, noting that it had presented the first full budget for J&K since the loss of statehood, earmarked ₹815 crore for agriculture, initiated the establishment of a J&K Skill & Entrepreneurship University, restored the historic Darbar Move, approved one-time age relaxation for JKCCE-2025 aspirants, and revised the reservation policy, which now awaits final approval from the Lieutenant Governor. He added that initiatives such as free transport for women and enhanced ration quotas mark a decisive shift toward governance focused on welfare and inclusive development.

Ajay Kumar Sadhotra former minister and Additional General Secretary Jammu, recalling Sheikh sahib’s legacy, remarked: “Sheikh sahib’s greatest achievement was not just shaping the politics of Jammu & Kashmir, but awakening a people giving them a voice, a dignity, and a dream of justice that continues to inspire generations.”

Echoing this sentiment, Provincial President Rattan Lal Gupta said: “Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah sahib transformed the destiny of Jammu & Kashmir by replacing fear with hope and inequality with opportunity. His land reforms empowered the poor, his politics gave dignity to the unheard, and his vision laid the foundation of modern Kashmir. Generations may debate his decisions, but none can deny that he reshaped the soul of the Valley with courage, compassion, and an unshakeable belief in his people.” Mr. Gupta demanded restore statehood to J&K by bringing restoration of Statehood bill in the current Parliament session.

A special Quran Khawani was organised by Senior Leader G.H. Malik. All the District Presidents Jammu Province celebrated the day as usual at their district headquarters i.e Ramban, Doda, Kishtwar, Doda Rural (Bhaderwah), Rajouri Urban, Rajouri Rural, Poonch, Gool-Gulabgarh, Reasi, Udhampur Urban, Udhampur Rural, Kathua Urban, Kathua Rural and Billawar (Org).

Among others who were present on this occasion included: Sheikh Bashir Ahmad, Provincial Secretary; Babu Rampal, former Minister and Central Zone President; Bimla Luthra, former MLA; Dr. Chaman Lal Bhagat, former MLA; Deepinder Kour, former MLC; Pardeep Bali; Ayub Malik, Provincial Secretaries Jammu; Vijay Lochan, Chairman SC Cell, Dr. Gafoor; Ankush Abrol, Joint Secretary Jammu Province; Satwant Kour Dogra, Provincial President Women Wing Jammu; Abdul Gani Teli, Chairman OBC Cell; S. Tejinder Pal Singh Aman, Provincial President YNC Jammu; Rakesh Singh Raka, Vice President Central Zone;  Chander Mohan Sharma, District President Jammu Urban; Raghvir Singh Manhas, District President Jammu Rural A; Naresh Bittu, District President Jammu Rural B; Sudagar Gupta, District President Samba; Harshvardhan Singh President NCSU, Arunpal Singh Working President NCSU, Shamim Begum, DDC Dansal; Joginder Singh Kaku, DDC Nagrota; Ch. Rehmat Ali, former BDC Chairman; Mohinder Singh, Vice President Central Zone; Zeeshan Rana; S. Sandeep Singh Wazir, Additional Spokesperson Jammu; Laxmi Datta, Senior Leader; Dilshad Malik, Vice President Central Zone; Rajni Devi, Working President Women Wing Jammu; Abid Magrey, District President Ramban; Shama Akthar; Ashok Dogra, former Corporator; Waris Gill; Vikram Puri; Ashwani Charak, Block President Jammu East; S. Gurnam Singh, Block President Jammu West; Kuldeep Sharma, District President Jammu Rural B Women Wing; Nitish Gowsami; Sahil Kerni, District President Jammu Urban YNC; Muzamil Malik; Ramesh Kumar, District President Jammu Urban SC Cell; Devi Dyal Jogi; Jaseen Malik, District President Samba YNC; Hamid Choudhary; Kuldeep Sharma; Deep Mehra; Pooja Jaggi; Jatin Bhat; Sumita Bhan; Jagga Ram; Ch. Razak; Mudit Seth; Ashanand; and Som Raj Taroch and others.