Kashmir Impulse Desk

Srinagar, July 14

Senior National Conference (NC) leader and former minister Sheikh Mustafa Kamal died on Tuesday after a prolonged illness, prompting tributes from political leaders across party lines who remembered him as a veteran politician and committed public servant. He was 83.

Kamal, the younger brother of NC President and three-time chief minister Farooq Abdullah and uncle of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, died at a private hospital in Srinagar, where he had been undergoing treatment.

He was buried later in the day at Bominsar graveyard in Srinagar.

A physician by training, Kamal entered politics in the early 1980s and went on to represent the Gulmarg, Pattan, and Hazratbal constituencies in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly. During his political career spanning more than four decades, he served as Minister of State for Public Works and later as Health Minister.

He also held the post of Additional General Secretary of the NC and remained one of the party’s senior organisational leaders and most prominent spokespersons.

Announcing the death on social media, CM Omar said his uncle had been ill for several months.

“My father’s younger brother Dr Mustafa Kamal passed away after a brave fight with illness. May Allah grant him the highest place in Jannat,” CM Omar said.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed condolences, calling Kamal a “veteran leader” and extending sympathies to his family, friends, and admirers.

Legislative Assembly Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather described Kamal as “a distinguished parliamentarian and compassionate leader” whose contribution to governance and public service would be remembered.

Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary said Kamal’s “selfless service and commitment to public welfare” had left a lasting legacy.

NC MP Mian Altaf Ahmad said Kamal’s “contribution to public life and commitment to the people will always be remembered.”

MP Aga Syed Ruhullah described Kamal as “an advocate of the NC’s ideology and J&K’s constitutional autonomy.”

NC Rajya Sabha member Chowdry Muhammad Ramzan called Kamal’s death “an irreplaceable void” and remembered him as “a man of exceptional simplicity and dedication.”

Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi conveyed “deepest condolences” to the bereaved family.

Former chief minister Ghulam Nabi Azad said Kamal had served J&K “with commitment and dedication over several decades.”

People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and former chief minister President Mehbooba Mufti expressed “profound grief” and extended condolences to the Abdullah family.

Senior NC leader and minister Sakina Itoo expressed condolences, praying for strength for the bereaved family.

Minister Satish Sharma said Kamal’s death marked “the end of an important chapter in the political history of J&K” and praised his commitment to democratic values.

In a statement, the NC said Kamal had devoted decades to public service and the party’s ideals.

J&K Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) President Tariq Hameed Karra described Kamal as “a dedicated and humble politician” who maintained “decency and integrity in public life.”

Apni Party President Altaf Bukhari said Kamal would be remembered as “a dignified and respected politician” whose death was “a great loss to J&K.”

Senior NC leader Ali Muhammad Sagar and NC legislator Salman Ali Sagar described his death as “a great loss to the party and the Abdullah family,” recalling his humility and lifelong association with the NC.

CPI (M) leader Muhammad Yusuf Tarigami said Kamal’s death “brings down the curtain on a long political journey,” remembering him as an approachable leader.

Bharatiya Janata Party National Executive member Ravinder Raina said he was “deeply saddened” by Kamal’s death and conveyed condolences to the bereaved family.

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said he was “saddened” by the death of the veteran politician and offered condolences to the Abdullah family.

Former union minister Saifuddin Soz described Kamal as “a distinguished leader” whose passing was “a great loss to J&K.”

PDP chief spokesperson Mehboob Beg remembered Kamal as “a man of profound humility” and said he would cherish their longstanding association.

Civil society organisations, trade bodies, religious groups, and the Chief Minister’s Office also issued statements expressing condolences and solidarity with the Abdullah family.

The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) President Javid Ahmad Tenga said Kamal would be “remembered for his long public service” and conveyed sympathies to the Abdullah family.

J&K Civil Society Forum Chairman (JKCSF) and Pensioners United Front (PUF) President Abdul Qayoom Wani described Kamal as “a distinguished physician and public representative” whose service “will remain an enduring legacy.”

The CM’s Office said it was “deeply saddened” by Kamal’s death and extended its “deepest sympathies” to CM Omar and the bereaved family.

Jamait-e-Hamdani Patron Maulana Riyaz Hamdani and chief spokesperson Ghulam Muhammad Saqi prayed that “Allah grant Kamal eternal peace” and give the family “strength and fortitude.”

The Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers Cum Dealers Union and the New Kashmir Fruit Association President, Bashir Ahmad Basheer, described Kamal’s passing as “an irreparable loss” and prayed that “Allah grant him the highest place in Jannah.”