National Conference's Stalwart, Farooq's brother, Omar's Uncle Sheikh Mustafa Kamal, Passes Away

Senior National Conference (NC) leader and former Cabinet Minister of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, Sheikh Mustafa Kamal, died on Tuesday after a long career in public life and politics.

Kamal was serving as the additional general secretary of the National Conference and was one of the party's senior-most leaders. He was the son of National Conference founder Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, the younger brother of National Conference President and former Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah, and the paternal uncle of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.

A trained medical doctor, Kamal later entered politics through the National Conference and served as a cabinet minister during different tenures of the party-led government. Over the years, he played a key organisational role within the party and remained actively involved in the political affairs of Jammu and Kashmir. 

His political career began in 1983, when he became a member of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Council. In the same year, he was inducted into the Cabinet headed by his brother, Dr Farooq Abdullah.

Dr Kamal was elected to the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly from the Gulmarg constituency in 1987 and retained the seat in subsequent elections, serving as an MLA until 2002. During this period, he served as a Cabinet Minister in the National Conference governments formed in 1983, 1987, and 1996, holding several important portfolios.

Political leaders from across the spectrum, along with party workers and supporters, expressed grief over his demise, remembering his decades of service to the National Conference and public life.

The veteran leader was laid to rest at the Bominsar graveyard in Sonwar, Srinagar, on Tuesday evening.

Mustafa's death condoled across J&K

Condolences poured in from across the political spectrum following the demise of Dr Mustafa Kamal, who passed away on Tuesday after a prolonged illness.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed grief over Dr Kamal's demise. In a post on X, Sinha 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 wrote.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced the passing of his paternal uncle in an emotional post on X, saying Dr Kamal had been unwell for several months, but his condition deteriorated over the past four days.

"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 Abdullah wrote.

The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference also expressed profound grief over the demise of its veteran leader, describing his death as an irreparable loss to both the party and the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

People's Democratic Party (PDP) president and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti also condoled the demise of Dr Mustafa Kamal.

Separatist leader Mirwaiz Molvi Umar Farooq expressed grief over the demise of senior National Conference leader and former minister Dr Mustafa Kamal, who passed away in Srinagar after a prolonged illness. 

In a post on X, Mirwaiz said he was saddened by the death of the veteran politician and offered prayers for the departed leader.

Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather also expressed profound grief over Dr Kamal's demise, describing him as a towering political figure, distinguished parliamentarian, accomplished administrator, and compassionate leader who devoted his life to the service of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary termed Dr Kamal's death an "irreparable loss" and said his unwavering commitment to public service and the ideals of the National Conference had earned him immense respect. He conveyed his condolences to Dr Farooq Abdullah and the bereaved family.

Minister for Health and Medical Education Sakina Itoo said she was deeply saddened by the passing of Dr Mustafa Kamal and described him as a leader whose contributions to public life and commitment to the people would always be remembered. She extended her heartfelt condolences to Dr Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah, and the entire family, praying for strength and patience for them during this difficult time.

Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) chairman and former Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad described Dr Kamal as a seasoned political leader who served Jammu and Kashmir with commitment and dedication for several decades. He expressed his sympathies to the Abdullah family and prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul.

Apni Party president Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari remembered Dr Kamal as one of the most graceful politicians and a distinguished leader whose demise was a great loss. He extended his condolences to Dr Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah, and other members of the bereaved family, praying that they find the courage and strength to bear this irreparable loss.