 Early Times Report
Jammu, July 14: Senior National Conference leader and former Jammu and Kashmir Minister Dr Mustafa Kamal, younger son of National Conference founder Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, passed away on Monday after a prolonged illness at a private hospital in Srinagar. He was a veteran politician and one of the party's longest-serving office-bearers.
Dr Kamal was the younger brother of former Chief Minister and National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah and the paternal uncle of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. His demise marks the end of an era for the Abdullah family, which has remained at the centre of Jammu and Kashmir's political landscape for decades.
A medical professional by training, Dr Kamal entered active politics in 1987 after serving as a doctor at a Sub-District Hospital. Before joining electoral politics, he also served as Chairman of the Notified Area Committee (NAC), Tangmarg, while continuing his medical practice.
Following his entry into politics, Dr Kamal was elected to the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly from different constituencies over the years, representing Gulmarg, Pattan and Hazratbal. He served as a Cabinet Minister in the National Conference governments headed by his brother, Dr Farooq Abdullah, during 1987-90 and again from 1996 to 2002, holding various portfolios.
Within the National Conference, Dr Kamal was regarded as one of the party's senior-most leaders and strategists. He served as the party's General Secretary for several years and played a key role in strengthening its organisational structure and political outreach across Jammu and Kashmir. Known for his outspoken style and unwavering loyalty to the party's ideology, he remained one of the National Conference's most prominent voices even after stepping away from active electoral politics.
Throughout his political career, Dr Kamal was closely associated with the National Conference's organisational affairs and was considered a trusted confidant of the party leadership. His contributions spanned both governance and party organisation, making him one of the influential figures in Jammu and Kashmir politics.
Political leaders from across party lines are expected to pay tributes to the veteran leader, while condolences poured in from colleagues, supporters and well-wishers following the news of his demise.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed his condolences on the demise of Dr. Mustafa Kamal.
“I am deeply saddened by the news of veteran leader Dr. Mustafa Kamal's passing away. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, well-wishers, and admirers. Om Shanti!”, the Lieutenant Governor posted on his social media handle. |
