In the ever-changing political narrative of Jammu and Kashmir, Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, once revered as “Sher-e-Kashmir,” has become the center of a heated controversy over his omission from the 2025 official holiday list. The National Conference (NC) has criticized this move by the BJP-led administration as an attempt to erase the memory of a leader who played a pivotal role in shaping the region’s history. But beyond the immediate political tug-of-war lies a larger question: What defines the true legacy of Sheikh Abdullah, a man once celebrated as the Lion of Kashmir?
The Roar That Shaped Kashmir
Born on December 5, 1905, in Soura, Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah rose to prominence as the architect of modern Jammu and Kashmir. His political journey began with the establishment of the Muslim Conference in 1932, which later transformed into the secular National Conference in 1939. This transformation was a significant step in his efforts to unite diverse communities under the banner of equality and social justice.
One of Sheikh Abdullah’s landmark achievements was the introduction of the “Land to the Tiller” policy. This progressive reform dismantled the feudal system that had oppressed the peasantry for decades, redistributing land to those who worked it. The policy empowered marginalized farmers and became a cornerstone of socio-economic justice in Kashmir. As a result, Sheikh Abdullah earned the admiration of many, with historians often citing this reform as the foundation of Kashmir’s development.
In 1944, the National Conference adopted the “Naya Kashmir” manifesto, a comprehensive vision for an egalitarian and democratic society. The manifesto outlined measures for land reforms, women’s empowerment, universal education, and economic equality, reflecting Sheikh Abdullah’s commitment to creating a secular and inclusive polity.
The Quit Kashmir Movement: A Defiance Against Feudalism
Sheikh Abdullah’s leadership took center stage during the Quit Kashmir Movement of 1946, launched against the autocratic Dogra rule of Maharaja Hari Singh. The movement was not merely a political rebellion; it was a call for dignity and justice for the oppressed masses. Sheikh Abdullah’s arrest during the agitation only cemented his reputation as a fearless leader who was willing to sacrifice personal comfort for the greater good.
A Controversial Union with India
In 1947, as the subcontinent reeled from the aftermath of Partition, Sheikh Abdullah made the critical decision to align Jammu and Kashmir with India. His vision of a secular and democratic society drove this choice, as he believed India’s constitutional framework would best safeguard Kashmir’s distinct identity and autonomy. Critics, however, argue that this decision paved the way for decades of political unrest, with many accusing Sheikh Abdullah of compromising Kashmir’s sovereignty.
Despite the controversy, Sheikh Abdullah’s vision of Kashmir as a secular state was evident in his policies and speeches. Unlike leaders such as Mohammad Ali Jinnah, who advocated for a religion-based state, Sheikh Abdullah championed pluralism and inclusivity.
Legacy Under Guard
Today, Sheikh Abdullah’s mausoleum on the banks of the Dal Lake stands as both a monument to his legacy and a reminder of Kashmir’s turbulent history. Guarded round the clock since the insurgency began in the 1990s, the tomb reflects the deep divides that continue to plague the region he sought to unify.
The Holiday Dispute
The exclusion of Sheikh Abdullah’s birth anniversary from the 2025 holiday list has ignited a political storm. The NC has accused the BJP-led administration of erasing the contributions of one of Kashmir’s tallest leaders as part of its post-Article 370 agenda. The BJP, on the other hand, argues that the move reflects a shift towards national integration.
“This is a deliberate attempt to rewrite history and undermine Sheikh Abdullah’s legacy,” said CPI(M) leader M.Y. Tarigami, criticizing the decision. Social media, too, has been rife with debates, with many questioning the insensitivity of reducing Sheikh Abdullah’s contributions to a holiday calendar dispute.
Beyond the Calendar
The debate over a holiday trivializes the monumental contributions of Sheikh Abdullah. His policies, particularly the “Land to the Tiller” reform, uplifted countless lives, breaking the chains of feudal exploitation. Similarly, the “Naya Kashmir” manifesto remains a testament to his progressive vision.
Critics of the National Conference argue that the party has often invoked Sheikh Abdullah’s legacy for political gains while failing to uphold his ideals. The current controversy, they claim, is another example of political opportunism.
Voices of Dissent
The controversy has drawn criticism from various quarters. A senior bureaucrat in Srinagar remarked, “Jammu gained nothing but a holiday from the abrogation of Article 370,” pointing to the ongoing marginalization of regional identities.
The BJP’s stance has also been criticized for its insensitivity. “Sheikh Abdullah’s legacy is too significant to be reduced to a calendar entry,” noted a political analyst from Kashmir University.
The Need for Reflection
In the polarized reality of post-Article 370 Kashmir, Sheikh Abdullah’s vision for a secular, autonomous region stands in stark contrast to the current political climate. While his legacy remains a subject of debate, his contributions to land reforms, social justice, and democratic governance are undeniable.
As debates over the holiday list rage on, it is essential to move beyond symbolic gestures and focus on meaningful actions that honor Sheikh Abdullah’s vision. His life’s work was not just about political power but about creating a society where justice and equality prevailed.
Conclusion: The Lion of Kashmir
Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah was a complex figure—both a visionary leader and a polarizing politician. His legacy is a blend of bold reforms and controversial decisions, but his impact on the socio-political fabric of Jammu and Kashmir is unquestionable.
Reducing his contributions to a holiday or a political controversy does a disservice to history. Instead, we must remember Sheikh Abdullah as the Lion of Kashmir—a leader who dared to dream of a better future for his people. His reforms, particularly the “Land to the Tiller” policy and the “Naya Kashmir” manifesto, remain beacons of his enduring vision.
As his guarded mausoleum silently watches over the Dal Lake, one can only hope that Sheikh Abdullah’s legacy will one day transcend political divides, inspiring generations to come. For in the end, the roar of Sher-e-Kashmir is not in his titles or holidays but in the lives he transformed and the vision he left behind.
