LG Sinha, political leaders condole demise
Srinagar, Jul 14: Veteran National Conference leader and brother of party president Dr. Farooq Abdullah, Sheikh Mustafa Kamal, passed away on Monday at a private hospital in Srinagar.
As per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the 87-year-old leader, who was serving as NC’s Additional General Secretary, breathed his last at 5:00 PM at Paras Hospital, where he had been undergoing treatment.
Kamal had been unwell for several months, and his condition deteriorated further over the past four days.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced the news of his death in a post on X.
“My father’s younger brother Dr. Mustafa Kamal passed away earlier this evening at Paras Hospital in Srinagar. Uncle Mustafa had been unwell for some months but took a turn for the worse four days ago. He put up a brave fight, holding on against the odds. The doctors and staff treating him were amazing, but Allah called him for his final journey. May Allah grant Uncle Mustafa the highest place in Jannat,” Omar posted.
Hundreds of people from different walks of life including Dr. Farooq Abdullah, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, cabinet ministers, and MLAs attended the Namaz-e-Janaza(funeral prayers) of Kamal at the Nedous residence near MLA Hostel here. Later, he was buried at a graveyard in Sonawar area of the city.
Known for his candid views, Kamal, son of NC founder Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah, served both as minister in J&K cabinet and legislator.
He was first inducted as a member of the Legislative Council in 1983, serving until 1987. In the 1987 Assembly election, he won from Tangmarg by defeating Ghulam Hassan Mir with a margin of 8734 votes. He again won in 1996, this time by a margin of 1753 votes. He won the 2006 by-election from Pattan assembly segment.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has expressed grief over the demise of Dr Mustafa Kamal.
In a post on X, formerly twitter, the LG said he was deeply saddened by the passing of the veteran leader and extended his heartfelt condolences to his family, well-wishers and admirers. “I am deeply saddened by the news of veteran leader Dr. Mustafa Kamal’s passing away. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, well-wishers, and admirers. Om Shanti!” he said.
A visionary & selfless leader: Speaker Assembly
Speaker, Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Abdul Rahim Rather, has expressed profound grief and heartfelt sorrow over the demise of Dr. Mustafa Kamal, former Cabinet Minister, brother of former Chief Minister Dr. Farooq Abdullah and uncle of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
In his condolence message, the Speaker described Dr. Mustafa Kamal as a towering political figure, a distinguished parliamentarian, an accomplished administrator and a compassionate leader who devoted his entire public life to the service of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
He said that Dr. Kamal rendered exemplary services while heading several key departments in the erstwhile State and earned widespread respect and admiration for his integrity, humility, visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to public welfare.
The Speaker said that throughout his illustrious political career, Dr. Kamal remained steadfastly committed to the upliftment of the downtrodden, the poor, the underprivileged and other weaker sections of society. He worked tirelessly for inclusive development, social justice and the overall progress and prosperity of Jammu and Kashmir, leaving behind a lasting legacy of selfless public service and dedicated leadership.
Describing his demise as an irreparable loss, the Speaker said that Jammu and Kashmir has lost one of its most experienced, respected and farsighted leaders whose invaluable contribution to governance, development and public service will be remembered for generations.
Recalling his long association with the late leader, the Speaker said that Dr. Mustafa Kamal was not only a valued colleague in the Cabinet but also a close associate with whom he had the privilege of working for many years in public life. He said that they shared a warm personal rapport, mutual respect and a deep bond forged through their collective commitment to serving the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Speaker remarked that Dr. Kamal’s wisdom, affable nature, sincerity and unwavering dedication to public service earned him the admiration of colleagues across the political spectrum and that his passing has left behind a profound personal and professional void.
Rather said that the vacuum created by his passing is difficult to fill and that his absence will be deeply felt not only by his family and colleagues but also by the people across Jammu and Kashmir, who held him in high esteem and affection.
The Speaker conveyed his deepest condolences to Dr. Farooq Abdullah, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the entire bereaved family. He prayed to the Almighty to grant eternal peace to the departed soul, place him in the highest ranks in Jannat-ul-Firdous and bestow strength, courage and fortitude upon the bereaved family to bear this immense loss.
‘A compassionate leader’: Dy CM
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Tuesday expressed profound grief and sorrow over the demise of Dr. Mustafa Kamal, describing him as a seasoned political leader and a compassionate public figure.
He said that the late leader was a committed social worker whose invaluable contributions to public welfare and the political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir will be remembered with deep respect and admiration.
The Deputy Chief Minister conveyed his deepest sympathies to former Chief Minister Dr. Farooq Abdullah, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, other members of the bereaved family and all those mourning the irreparable loss.
He prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul and strength to the bereaved family to bear this immense loss with courage and fortitude.
He added that Dr. Kamal’s rich legacy and selfless service would continue to inspire the generations to come.
The Deputy Chief Minister prayed that the departed soul may attain eternal peace and solace.
A pillar of democracy: Satish Sharma
Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Information Technology, Youth Services & Sports, and Science & Technology, Satish Sharma on Tuesday expressed deep grief and sorrow over the demise of veteran political leader Dr. Mustafa Kamal.
Describing Dr. Kamal as a distinguished public figure who dedicated decades of his life to public service and democratic values, the Minister said his demise marks the end of an important chapter in the political history of Jammu and Kashmir. He said that Dr. Kamal earned respect across political and social spheres for his steadfast commitment to public welfare and unwavering engagement with the people.
Satish Sharma said that Dr. Mustafa Kamal’s contribution to the political discourse of Jammu and Kashmir and his efforts towards strengthening the democratic institutions will be remembered for years to come. He added that his legacy of public service and dedication will continue to inspire future generations.
Expressing his heartfelt sympathies, the Minister conveyed his deepest condolences to the bereaved family, relatives, friends, colleagues, well-wishers and countless admirers of the departed leader. He prayed that the Almighty grant eternal peace to the departed soul and bestow strength and courage upon the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss.
“In this moment of profound grief, my thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved family. May the Almighty grant Dr. Mustafa Kamal the highest place in his eternal abode and give strength to all those mourning this huge loss,” the Minister said.
