On Sheikh Abdullah birth anniv, demand for holiday resurfaces

The political storm surrounding the omission of December 5 as a public holiday in Jammu and Kashmir has resurfaced. National Conference (NC) leaders and ministers are demanding the reinstatement of the holiday to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sheikh Abdullah, the party’s founder.

Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary announced that the holiday would be reinstated. “There will be no financial burden on the J&K government if a holiday is declared on Sheikh Abdullah’s birth anniversary. It would be a gesture of respect to the founder of the NC, whose decisions made J&K the crown of India. From next year, December 5 will definitely be a public holiday as we have understood the people’s sentiment,” Choudhary said while addressing the media.

Following the abrogation of J&K’s special status in 2019, the administration had removed two public holidays: December 5, Sheikh Abdullah’s birth anniversary, and July 13, which commemorated the deaths of protesters killed by the forces of the princely state in 1931.

This decision was welcomed by many in the Jammu region, who viewed these holidays as discriminatory. However, it was met with criticism in the Kashmir Valley.

Sheikh Abdullah, born on December 5, 1905, in the Soura area of Srinagar, was a pivotal figure in shaping the socio-political landscape of the erstwhile state.

Nasir Aslam Wani, Adviser to the Chief Minister, confirmed that a formal proposal to reinstate December 5 as a public holiday has been submitted to the Lieutenant Governor. He expressed hope that the holiday would be reintroduced from next year.

The issue highlights the division of powers in J&K, as the Omar Abdullah-led government cannot unilaterally declare holidays and must rely on approval from the Lieutenant Governor.

NC general secretary and MLA Ali Mohammad Sagar recently urged Omar Abdullah to push for the reinstatement of December 5 as a public holiday. Sagar stated, “Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah was a beacon of hope, standing firm against despotic rule and championing dignity, social justice, and democratic rights. Respecting Sheikh’s legacy is not just about historical justice but also about honouring the unshakable bond he shares with the people of J&K.”

Interestingly, the L-G administration declared October 26, which is Accession Day, as a public holiday after 2019. Similarly, the birth anniversary of Maharaja Hari Singh, on September 23, was declared a holiday in 2022 following public demand in Jammu.

NC leaders pay tributes to party founder

Srinagar: The National Conference on Thursday paid tributes to party founder and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah on his 119th birth anniversary.

The party leadership, including NC president Farooq Abdullah, vice president and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, paid floral tributes to the party founder at his mausoleum at Naseem Bagh in Hazratbal area of the city here.

Leaders recalled the towering contributions of Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah toward the socio-political emancipation of Kashmir and his relentless struggle for the dignity and rights of its people, the party said.

Speaking on the occasion, Omar said, “Sher-e-Kashmir’s vision continues to inspire us to work tirelessly for the betterment of our people. Today, we remember his sacrifices and reaffirm our dedication to his ideals of justice, equality, and communal harmony.” — OC