Veteran politician Dr. Mustafa Kamal, senior National Conference leader and former minister, passed away in Srinagar after a brief illness. He held the Congress responsible for the Kashmir issue by arresting his father Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah in 1953.
Key Takeaways
- Dr. Mustafa Kamal's death marks the end of a strong voice for pre‑1953 status within the NC
- His advocacy for restoring Jammu & Kashmir's special status under Article 370
- Analysis of his criticism of Congress and its impact on regional politics
On July 14, 2026, Dr. Sheikh Mustafa Kamal, 84, a senior figure in the National Conference (NC) and former minister of Jammu & Kashmir, died in a private hospital in Srinagar after a short spell of illness. He had been unwell for several months, with his condition deteriorating four days before his death.
Family Background and Political Journey
Kamāl was the younger brother of NC president Dr. Farooq Abdullah and uncle to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. Early in his career, he served as a general physician in Tangmarg, northern Kashmir, an area linked to his mother’s roots. He held ministerial portfolios twice, later becoming the additional general secretary of the NC and often acting as the party’s spokesperson.
Advocacy for the Pre‑1953 Position
Within the NC, Kamal was one of the few who championed the restoration of Jammu & Kashmir’s pre‑1953 constitutional arrangement. He argued that the 1952 Delhi Agreement and Article 370, based on the Instrument of Accession signed by the late Maharaja Hari Singh, defined the Centre‑state relationship, allocating only communication, external affairs and defence to the Union while the rest remained with the people of Kashmir.
Blaming the Congress and Political Controversies
Kamāl consistently blamed the Indian National Congress for embroiling the Kashmir issue by arresting his father, Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah, in 1953, labeling that day as a “black day”. He linked the 1989 insurgency to New Delhi’s “unilateral and unconstitutional erosion of the special status” that began after 1953. His outspoken criticism of Congress leaders—including Rahul Gandhi and Makhan Lal Fotedar—often strained the NC’s alliance with the party, leading to his removal as spokesperson in 2012.
Legacy and Reactions
Following his death, the NC spokesperson said, “Dr. Kamal Sahib devoted decades of his life to public service and strengthening the ideals and legacy of the NC. His passing is an irreparable loss not only to the NC family but also to the people of J&K.” The opposition Peoples Democratic Party and prominent Kashmiri cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq also offered condolences, highlighting Kamal’s stature as a respected senior politician.