Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah: The Lion of Kashmir

Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, also known as the 'Lion of Kashmir', was a towering figure in the political and social history of J&K. Born on December 5, 1905, at Soura village near Srinagar, Abdullah emerged as a charismatic leader whose vision and determination reshaped the destiny of Kashmir and its people.

Abdullah came from a modest background and faced considerable hardships in his early years. Despite these challenges, he pursued education with great zeal. After completing his initial schooling in Srinagar, he went on to graduate from Islamia College in Lahore, and later earned a master’s degree in chemistry from Aligarh Muslim University. During his time at Aligarh, he was profoundly influenced by the ideas of self-determination, social justice and nationalism, which shaped his political ideology.

The plight of Kashmiri people under Dogra rule deeply disturbed him. In 1931, he rose to prominence by participating in protests against the autocratic regime, advocating for the rights of the oppressed. Recognising the need for a unified political movement, he founded the Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference in 1932. The party was later rebranded as the National Conference in 1939 to emphasise secularism and inclusivity, transcending religious divisions.

Under his leadership, the National Conference spearheaded the struggle for the socio-economic and political emancipation of Kashmiris. The party’s landmark document, the 'Naya Kashmir' manifesto, envisioned a progressive and egalitarian society, emphasising land reforms, universal education and women empowerment.

The Partition of India in 1947 presented a complex dilemma for the princely state of J&K. As the leader of the National Conference, Sheikh Abdullah played a pivotal role in the state’s eventual accession to India. He supported the Instrument of Accession signed by Maharaja Hari Singh, aligning Kashmir with India on three subjects: defence, foreign affairs and communications. His close relationship with India’s first PM, Jawaharlal Nehru, was instrumental in ensuring Kashmir’s special status under Article 370 of the Constitution.

Abdullah’s journey was not without challenges. His advocacy for greater autonomy for J&K led to strained relations with the Indian Government. In 1953, he was dismissed as PM of J&K and arrested on charges of conspiracy. He spent over a decade in prison, becoming a symbol of resistance and resilience for his supporters.

After years of political estrangement, he reconciled with the Indian Government in 1975 through the Indira-Sheikh Accord, which allowed him to return as the Chief Minister of J&K. He remained in office until his death on September 8, 1982.

His legacy is deeply intertwined with the history of Kashmir. He is remembered as a visionary leader who championed the rights of the oppressed and worked tirelessly to uplift his people. Despite controversies surrounding his political decisions, his contributions to the socio-political landscape of J&K remain unparalleled.

Abdullah’s life was a testament to his unwavering commitment to justice, equality and the welfare of his people. The 'Lion of Kashmir' continues to be an enduring figure in the collective memory of J&K, inspiring generations to strive for a better future.