Srinagar, Sep 7: Governor NN Vohra Friday paid rich tributes to National Conference founder Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah on his 30th death anniversary, recalling his contribution to the development of the state.
“Abdullah was a tall leader who nurtured a dream of peace, progress and prosperity in all parts of Jammu and Kashmir,” Vohra said in his message on the eve of the death anniversary of the leader known as “Sher-e-Kashmir” (Lion of Kashmir).
The Governor recalled the period during which Abdullah had worked with eminent national leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and strived for strengthening the cherished values of secularism and democracy in the state.
The Governor referred to the crucial Land Reforms pioneered by Abdullah, which laid the foundations of equitable development of the state, and the high priority he had devoted to the development of health and education.
Vohra said the best tribute to Abdullah would be for the people to work with a missionary zeal for re-establishing J&K’s deep rooted secular traditions for ensuring sustained peace and normalcy in the state which would usher in progress and prosperity.

OMAR PAYS TRIBUTES
Remembering Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah on his death anniversary Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah paid rich tributes to the late leader describing him architect and founder of educative, progressive and secular democratic society in Jammu and Kashmir based on justice, equality and amity between all regions and all sections of the society.
Highlighting the struggle and sacrifices made by Sher-e-Kashmir for the cause of people and the State throughout his life, Omar said that welfare and public empowerment was his cherished desire and he made all possible endeavors in this direction.
“Sheikh Sahab propagated and nurtured amity, brotherhood and mutual trust between various sections of the society”, he said.
Omar said that Sher-e-Kashmir laid the edifice of ‘Naya Kashmir’ with a clear vision of public empowerment and involvement in the formulation and implementation of development plans in accordance with the aspirations of the people and requirements of the areas. He said that his government would put in all efforts to work for realizing the progressive, peaceful and economically vibrant Jammu and Kashmir envisioned by the late leader.
The Chief Minister said that the concept of single line administration and devolution of powers from central level to grassroots introduced and implemented by Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah constitutes the necessary pillar in good-governance and public empowerment. He said that the revolutionary measure of land to tiller taken by Sheikh Sahib has helped a lot to bridge the gap between rich and poor.
Meanwhile, a spokesman of ruling National Conference said separate functions have been planned in connection with the death anniversary of Abdullah across the state tomorrow.
The largest congregation will be held at Abdullah's graveyard at Naseem Bagh near the holy Hazratbal shrine on the banks of Dal Lake, he said.

Lastupdate on : Fri, 7 Sep 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Fri, 7 Sep 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sat, 8 Sep 2012 00:00:00 IST