Jammu and Kashmir Governor N N Vohra and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today paid tributes to National Conference founder and former Chief Minister Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah on the eve of his 108th birth anniversary.
In his message, the Governor observed that Sheikh was a charismatic leader and a social reformer who fought for the rights of the oppressed sections of the society, irrespective of caste, creed or religion.
"He strove for the sustenance of the secular and pluralistic traditions," Vohra said, and called for "continuous endeavour toward strengthening of democratic institutions" in order to pay befitting tribute to the leader.
Omar described the former state Chief Minister as the symbol of amity, unity and progress of Jammu and Kashmir.
"Sheikh Abdullah denotes the state's high traits of pluralistic ethos. He nurtured and strengthened this characteristic and cemented the bonds of love between various sections of the society and different regions of the state," Omar said.
"His target was empowerment of common man and equitable development of the state. His vision of 'Naya Kashmir' embedded holistic and comprehensive development of all sections and all regions," Omar said.
The Chief Minister said Sheikh Abdullah was the epitome of sacrifices and his principles would continue to guide us to march on path of peace and development.
Omar said that the best way of paying tributes to the great leader was to strive for peaceful, progressive and prosperous Jammu and Kashmir.
