Srinagar, September 8 (KNS) : People’s Democratic Front (PDF) President and former Minister Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen on Tuesday paid rich tributes to the architect of modern Jammu and Kashmir, Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, on his 44th death anniversary, describing his leadership as farsighted, visionary and marked by wisdom in confronting the challenges of the future.

In a statement issued, Yaseen said Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah’s contribution to Jammu and Kashmir’s political and social history cannot be ignored, adding that his leadership represented a historic struggle against injustice, autocratic rule and exploitation.

He said the dismissal of Sheikh Abdullah’s government and his subsequent imprisonment in 1953 was one of the biggest blunders in the history of Jammu and Kashmir, the consequences of which, he said, continue to be felt even today.

“The events of 1953 created a deep sense of uncertainty and political alienation in Jammu and Kashmir, the repercussions of which have continued for decades. Had such a situation not arisen, the people of J&K would perhaps not have faced many of the challenges and uncertainties that followed,” Yaseen said.

Referring to the 1975 Sheikh-Indira Accord, Yaseen said the political understanding between Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah and the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was an important attempt to address the consequences of the developments that had taken place since 1953.

He said the developments leading to the 1975 accord should be viewed objectively and in their proper historical context, adding that the episode reflected an effort to bring political stability and address outstanding issues concerning Jammu and Kashmir.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Yaseen said the people of Jammu and Kashmir should draw lessons from Sheikh Abdullah’s political journey and follow his commitment towards the interests and welfare of the people.

He, however, expressed concern that the present leadership of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference had, in his view, drifted away from some of the core objectives and principles associated with Sheikh Abdullah’s political legacy.

“The National Conference must introspect and reconnect with its original mission of safeguarding the political, economic and social interests of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The legacy of Sheikh Abdullah should not remain confined to ceremonial tributes; it should be reflected in political action and commitment to the people,” he said.

Yaseen said Sheikh Abdullah’s leadership was defined by his ability to understand the challenges confronting the people and take difficult political decisions with a long-term vision.

He paid homage to Sheikh Abdullah and called upon the people to remember his contribution to the transformation of Jammu and Kashmir while also learning from the mistakes and political developments that shaped the region’s subsequent history.(KNS)