Srinagar: Veteran National Conference leader and former Jammu and Kashmir minister Sheikh Mustafa Kamal died at a private hospital here on Tuesday following a prolonged illness, his family said. He was 83.
Kamal, the younger brother of National Conference (NC) patron Farooq Abdullah and uncle of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, was additional general secretary of the party.
Before joining politics, Kamal earned his MBBS degree from the Sawai Mansingh Medical College in Jaipur, Rajasthan, in 1962.
He later built a distinguished legislative career and became a member of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Council from 1983 to 1987.
Kamal represented the Gulmarg constituency in Baramulla district as an MLA from 1987 until 2002. Throughout his political career, he held various high-profile cabinet portfolios under state administrations formed in 1983, 1987, and 1996.
Tributes poured in from across the political spectrum as news of his demise spread.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed deep grief over his death. “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 on X.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, while announcing the death of Kamal on X, said “Uncle Mustafa had been unwell for some months but took a turn for the worse 4 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.”
Mirwaiz Umer Farooq expressed his condolences to Abdullah family and said that he was “saddened to hear about the death of veteran politician Mustafa Kamal Sahib”.
In a statement, the NC described Kamal’s passing as an “irreparable loss” to both the party and the region, saying that he devoted decades to strengthening the ideals and legacy of the party.
“His unwavering commitment, principled leadership, and steadfast dedication to the people of Jammu & Kashmir earned him immense respect across political and social spheres,” the statement said, adding prayers for the bereaved family, including Farooq and Omar Abdullah.
Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) chief and former CM Ghulam Nabi Azad also condoled the death, remembering Kamal as a “seasoned political leader who served Jammu and Kashmir with commitment and dedication over several decades”.
Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari paid tribute to Kamal’s political conduct, stating he will always be remembered as “one of the most graceful politicians”, and extended his deepest condolences to the Abdullah family.
CPM leader Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami also condoled the death of Kamal, saying his humbleness and approachable nature made him a friend to everyone across the political spectrum.
