Srinagar, Dec 5: A winter morning at Hazratbal carried more than the chill in the air.
It carried remembrance.
As soft sunlight touched the Dal Lake, the National Conference gathered to mark the 120th birth anniversary of Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah, National Conference founder and a statesman whose legacy remains deeply embedded in Kashmir’s political consciousness.
At the Mazar-e-Anwar, NC President Farooq Abdullah and Vice President, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, led party leaders in offering floral tributes and Fatiha.
The crowd stood in quiet reflection, and with each prayer, memories of Sheikh Abdullah’s life, his mass appeal, leadership, and long political journey seemed to resonate within the moment.
Senior leaders, Members of Parliament (MPs), legislators, and representatives across the provincial, zonal, women’s wing, Youth National Conference (YNC), minority, media, and social media units attended the gathering.
Many sat longer after the prayers, listening to verses of the Holy Quran as they drifted through the mausoleum, turning the commemoration into a space of both emotion and reflection.
For many long-time members, this day is more than a ritual.
It is a reminder of roots, sacrifice, and the beginning of a political movement that shaped modern Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing party workers on the occasion, National Conference President Farooq Abdullah defended the performance of the Jammu and Kashmir government, asserting that much had been achieved in its first year despite limited administrative powers under the Union Territory framework.
However, he acknowledged that more needed to be done to alleviate public hardships.
“We still have a lot to cover. Whatever we could do this year, it is before you. Our opponents will always tell you what has not been done, but not what has been achieved,” Abdullah said.
He said that one of the biggest accomplishments was the restoration of free movement and expression.
“Today, our opponents take out rallies and protest marches,” he said, calling it a sign of democratic space returning.
Yet, Abdullah expressed concern over internal disunity and statements made publicly by some party leaders.
“For God’s sake, tell me what more could have been done in a year, even as everything is up to the Lieutenant Governor? Despite that, our endeavour has been to ease the sufferings of the people. Our MLAs go to every corner and address public issues,” he said.
Calling the party’s journey “like walking on a razor’s edge,” Abdullah pointed to the challenges faced in governance and public expectation.
He reminded workers that transformation takes time.
“We still have four more years. God willing, you will see the change in your areas,” Abdullah said.
He urged the party to open doors for young and educated leadership, especially women, stating that the forthcoming municipal and panchayat elections demand new energy and participation.
“Our educated boys and girls must come forward. Strengthen the party instead of issuing statements. Everyone is doing that,” Abdullah said, pressing for discipline and unity within ranks.
He reminded that unity remains the organisation’s biggest strength.
“Opponents will create hurdles, but do not be afraid. God, who gave you success, will continue to bless you,” Abdullah told workers.
In a reflective closing note, he said he himself could have gone to Parliament or the Rajya Sabha, but chose instead to allow others who could represent the people more effectively.
As the gathering dispersed, the breeze carried away voices and verses, leaving behind petals on marble and a moment of continuity between past and present.
For many in Hazratbal, the day was less about nostalgia and more about recommitment to legacy, to leadership, and to the long political road ahead.
