LG expresses deep sorrow; condolences pour in
Srinagar: Senior National Conference (NC) leader and former Minister Dr. Sheikh Mustafa Kamal passed away at a private hospital in Srinagar on Tuesday after a prolonged illness. He was 83.
The younger brother of NC President Dr. Farooq Abdullah and uncle of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Dr. Kamal breathed his last at Paras Hospital in Srinagar, where he had been undergoing treatment.
In a post on X, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said his uncle had been unwell for several months and his condition deteriorated four days ago.
“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,” the Chief Minister said.
Dr. Kamal was the son of National Conference founder and former Chief Minister Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah. He completed his MBBS from Sawai Mansingh (SMS) Medical College, Jaipur, in 1962 and later entered public life.
He served as a Minister in the Jammu and Kashmir Cabinets formed in 1983, 1987 and 1996. He was a member of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly from 1987 to 2002, and before that served in the Legislative Council from 1983 to 1987.
Known for his soft-spoken nature and accessibility, Dr. Kamal remained closely associated with grassroots politics. A bachelor throughout his life, he largely lived at Shadimarg near Tangmarg and was known for assisting residents in resolving official matters and arranging medical treatment for patients within and outside Jammu and Kashmir.
He is survived by his elder brother Dr. Farooq Abdullah and sisters Begum Khalida Shah and Suraiya Ali Matto.
As news of his demise spread, political leaders cutting across party lines expressed grief and extended condolences to the Abdullah family.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said he was “deeply saddened” by the veteran leader’s passing and conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, well-wishers and admirers.
The Chief Minister’s Office also expressed profound grief over the demise of Dr. Kamal, with officers and staff conveying their condolences to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the bereaved family. They prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul and strength for the family to bear the loss.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary described Dr. Kamal as a seasoned politician, committed social worker and compassionate public figure whose contributions to public life and the political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir would be remembered with respect. He extended his condolences to Dr. Farooq Abdullah, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the bereaved family.
J&K Cabinet Minister Sakina Itoo termed Dr. Kamal’s passing a great loss to public life in the Union Territory. In a condolence message on X, she recalled his immense contribution to public service and unwavering commitment to the people, saying his legacy would continue to inspire future generations. She conveyed her sympathies to Dr. Farooq Abdullah, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the bereaved family, and prayed that Almighty Allah grant the departed leader the highest place in Jannah and give his family strength to bear the irreparable loss.
National Conference MP Mian Altaf Ahmad described Dr. Kamal as a stalwart of Jammu and Kashmir’s political landscape, remembering him as a soft-spoken, accessible and grassroots-oriented leader. He expressed condolences to Dr. Farooq Abdullah, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the entire Abdullah family.
Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari also mourned Dr. Kamal’s demise, describing him as a distinguished political leader who served the people with dedication. He prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul and expressed solidarity with the bereaved family.
Meanwhile, thousands of people from across Jammu and Kashmir paid tributes to Dr. Kamal and offered condolences to Dr. Farooq Abdullah, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the Abdullah family.
