Srinagar, Sept 8: Rich tributes were paid to the former prime minister of the state and founder of National Conference, Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah, on his 27th death anniversary Tuesday.
The main function was held at the graveyard of Sheikh Abdullah at Hazratbal here where chief minister Omar Abdullah and Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Dr Farooq Abdullah, paid floral tributes to late Sheikh. Others who also paid tributes and offered prayers include National Conference leaders Dr Mustafa Kamal, Sheikh Nazir, Abdul Rahim Rather, Mehboob Beg and scores of party activists and supporters.
Dr Farooq and Omar came separately to pay their tributes. Omar arrived at the graveyard at around 11 am and left after offering prayers. Minutes later, Dr Farooq arrived and after offering the Fateha, he inaugurated a documentary showcasing the role of late Sheikh in the political history of Kashmir.
Though Dr Farooq and Omar didn’t address the party supporters and activists who had come in large numbers, senior National Conference leaders including Member of Parliament Dr Mehboob Beig made brief speeches.
Beig said marches called by the separatist leaders would only bring miseries to people. “It is only affecting common man in Kashmir as the children and relatives of those who are calling for marches are studying outside the state,” he said.
About Kashmir issue, he said it has to be resolved through political initiatives.

Lastupdate on : Tue, 8 Sep 2009 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Tue, 8 Sep 2009 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Wed, 9 Sep 2009 00:00:00 IST