The daughter of National Conference founder and president ANC, Begum Khalida Shah paid a glowing tribute to the legacy of Sher Kashmir Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah on his 119th birth anniversary. She highlighted his pivotal role in shaping Jammu and Kashmir’s political and social landscape, leading a revolutionary movement against authoritarian rule 93 years ago.
She noted that Abdullah’s movement faced immense challenges during the global upheaval, and many comrades who fought alongside him are no longer alive, leaving his legacy vulnerable to misconceptions.
Khalida Shah clarified that when Maharaja Hari Singh acceded to India in 1947, Abdullah held no official post; Mehr Chand Mahajan was the Prime Minister. Abdullah later became Nazim-e-Ala in 1947 and Prime Minister in 1948. He signed the instrument of accession as a witness, emphasizing its temporary and conditional nature.
“Sheikh Abdullah presented the “New Kashmir” manifesto in 1946, sparking the “Quit Kashmir” movement, which challenged economic, social, and political exploitation. He played a crucial role in abolishing Jammu and Kashmir’s feudal system, opposing the Maharaja’s interests.”
She said during India’s constitutional drafting, Abdullah represented Jammu and Kashmir in the Constituent Assembly. Initially, Article 306-A was proposed, but Abdullah rejected it as temporary and infringing on citizens’ rights. After debate and opposition from Sardar Patel, Abdullah’s alternative draft was accepted, converting Article 306-A to Article 370.
“Article 370 defined Jammu and Kashmir’s constitutional relationship with India, allowing a separate Constituent Assembly to decide which Indian provisions would apply. The Delhi Accord of 1952 formalized this understanding, rooted in the “Naya Kashmir” manifesto.
Begum Khalida Shah praised her father’s social vision and lifelong struggle, stating that if he were alive, no one would have dared to propose abolishing Articles 35-A and 370.
