| Surinder Ch, Javed Rana others pay glorious tribute to Sheikh Abdullah | | |  Early Times Report
JAMMU, Dec 5: 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. |
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