Surinder Ch, Javed Rana, others pay glorious tribute to Sheikh Abdullah on his 119th birth anniversary.

• Say Omar Abdullah Govt committed to protect rights & aspirations of general public 

JAMMU: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference today paid floral tributes to its Founder Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah on his 119th birth anniversary during a solemn function held at Sher-e-Kashmir Bhawan, Jammu.

On this occasion,Surinder Choudhary, Honble Deputy Chief Minister J&K, Javed Rana, Honble Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest & Tribal Affairs, Ajay Kumar Sadhotra former minster and Additional General Secretary participated and the function was presided over by Mr Rattan Lal Gupta Advocate Provincial President Jammu Province JKNC to pay homage to the Baba-e-Qoum and Sher-e-Kashmir, Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah, in recognition of his monumental contributions to the region and its people.   

Speaking on the occasion, Surinder Choudhary said that upholding secular values is the greatest tribute to Sheikh Sahib, one of the most respected leaders of his time in the subcontinent. “We are proud heirs of his remarkable legacy,” he said, highlighting the landmark Land Reforms Act introduced by Sheikh Abdullah, which transformed the lives of farmers by making them owners of their land overnight.

The Deputy Chief Minister said Sheikh Abdullah spent 22 years in jail to protect the dignity and aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. His dedication to their rights and self-respect remains an inspiration for all of us, he added. He asserted that the best way to honor Sheikh Abdullah is by fostering unity and harmony among Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs. He urged party workers to pledge their commitment to preserving the legacy of brotherhood and communal harmony that Sheikh Sahib left behind.

Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest & Tribal Affairs, J&K, Javed Ahmed Rana, spoke about the remarkable life of Sheikh Abdullah and his significant contributions to improving the lives of the underprivileged and downtrodden sections of society. He said that Sheikh Abdullah, through his charismatic political career, symbolized the hopes and aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir in a way no one else could even imagine.  

Rana highlighted Sheikh Abdullah’s efforts to uplift the tribal communities, including the Gujjars and Bakerwals. He noted that Sheikh Sahib ensured the establishment of Gujjar-Bakarwal hostels in every district to support their education and welfare. "If we want to make India a *Vishwaguru* (world leader), we must follow the path shown by Sheikh Sahib, embracing secularism, communal harmony, and brotherhood," he said. 

In his address, Ajay Sadhotra, senior NC leader, highlighted the visionary leadership of Sheikh Abdullah, emphasizing his lifelong commitment to the welfare of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.  The former minister urged the new government, led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, to take strong and decisive action against the mining mafia and prevent outsiders from exploiting the natural resources of the region. "The resources of Jammu and Kashmir are the rightful property of its people, and their interests must be safeguarded at all costs," he added.  

Sadhotra further stressed that the National Conference government must prioritize protecting the land and job rights of the people of J&K, ensuring their future is secure and their aspirations are fulfilled.  

While paying tributes to Sheikh Abdullah, Rattan Lal Gupta said that Sheikh Abdullah was not just a political leader, but a visionary who dedicated his life to securing the rights and dignity of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He emphasized that Sheikh Sahib's unwavering commitment to secularism, justice, and equality has left an indelible mark on the region's history.

Rattan Lal Gupta remarked that in the last decade, the people of Jammu and Kashmir have endured immense hardships due to the policies of earlier government, which failed to address their concerns. He assured that the National Conference, under the leadership of Omar Abdullah, is determined to fulfill the promises made to the people, as outlined in its manifesto.

He further asserted that Jammu and Kashmir is a sensitive region, and it is imperative for the Central Government to restore statehood to its people to safeguard their rights and aspirations. The provincial President also urged party workers to prepare for the upcoming panchayat elections with renewed zeal, ensuring that the voices of the people are heard and their concerns addressed at every level of governance.

Babu Rampaul former minister, Bimla Luthra former MLA, Dr. Rameshwar Singh MLA Bani and Khurshid Ahmad MLA Gulabgarh also paid glorious tributes to Baba –e Quom Sheikh Mohd Abdullah and said praised the National Conference government, led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, as a symbol of hope for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. They  said the government has consistently worked to protect the rights and aspirations of the people while restoring their dignity and ensuring justice. They further emphasized that Sheikh Abdullah’s secular and progressive vision will remain a source of inspiration for generations to come.

Sheikh Bashir Ahmad Provincial Secretary along with other Provincial, Districts and Block functionaries paid floral tributes to Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah and pledged to work for steering Jammu and Kashmir as peaceful, progressive and a politically stable part of the country.

Large number of Women workers participated in the function they arrived in the function in a rally organized by Mrs Bimla Luthra State Vice President women wing JKNC  Chanting slogans Sher-e- Kashmir Ka Kya Irshad Hindu, Muslim, Sikh Itehaad. Sher-e- Kashmir Amar Rahai. The Quran Khawani was organized by G.H Malik Senior NC leader pray for the peace of departed soul. Mr Chander Mohan Sharma District President Jammu Urban distributed Halwa among the participants.

Others who paid rich tributes to Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah included Qazi Jalal Ud Din former MLA, Bushan Lal Bhat former MLC, Deepinder Kour former MLC, Ayub Malik, Pardeep Bali Provincial Secretaries, Vijay Lochan Chairman SC Cell, Abdul Gani Teli Chairman OBC Cell, Satwant Kour Dogra Provincial President Women Wing Jammu, Jugal Mahajan, Suriya Begum DDC Bari Brahamana, Shamim Begum DDC Dansal, Joginder Singh Kaku DDC Nagrota, Mohinder Singh,Rakesh Singh Raka Vice Presidents Central Zone, Laxmi Datta Senior leader, Ch. Rehmat Ali BDC former Chairman, Raghbir Singh Manhas District President Jammu Rural A, Naresh Bittu District President Jammu Rural B, Sudagar Gupta District President Samba, Rita Gupta, Ashok Kumar Attri, Vice President Central Zone,  Dr. Gafoor, Harshvardhan Singh President NCSU, Sarshad Natnoo former BDC Chairman, Rajni Devi, Master Aslam, Mohinder Kumar Rana Joint Secretary Central Zone, Waris Gill, Ashwani Charak Block President Jammu East, S. Gurnam Singh Block President Jammu East, S. Sandeep Singh Wazir Block President Gandhi Nagar,  Kuldeep Kour District President Jammu Rural A Women Wing, Pinky Khalsa District President Jammu Urban Women Wing, S. Tejinder Singh District President Jammu Urban YNC, Rakesh Kumar Palwan District President Jammu Rural A YNC, Sumita Bhan,  Jatin Bhat, Ashok Kumar Dogra, Joginder Kaur Vice President District Jammu Urban Women wing, Sapna Gill, Rovin Kumar, Shama Akther, Shahnaz Akther, Joginder Kumar,  Karan Singh, Jagga Ram, Master Baldev, Lal Panch, Mangat Ram, Ashwani Kumar, Raj Kumar, Kuldeep Kumar, Sahil  and others.