J&K 2025 Holiday List : Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah’s anniversary missing from holiday list
SRINAGAR, Dec 29:The exclusion of Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah’s birth anniversary from the public holiday list for Jammu and Kashmir in 2025 has sparked controversy and criticism. Despite earlier promises and a formal proposal by the Council of Ministers under the Omar Abdullah-led government, the December 5 commemoration of the National Conference (NC) founder and former Chief Minister remains absent from the holiday calendar.
A government notification outlining the Union Territory’s holiday schedule for 2025 revealed 28 public holidays. These include region-specific and restricted holidays but omit Sheikh Abdullah’s birth anniversary, which had been a significant date in the region’s history and political landscape. This decision follows a precedent set in 2020 when the Lieutenant Governor’s administration initially removed several holidays from the calendar. Despite repeated assurances from Omar Abdullah and his administration, the anniversary has not been reinstated, fueling dissatisfaction among National Conference supporters and others who view the omission as a disregard for the region’s legacy.
The National Conference, which holds 42 of the 90 Assembly seats, has been vocal about its intent to restore Sheikh Abdullah’s birth anniversary to the official list. Omar Abdullah, during his tenure as Chief Minister, pledged to reinstate the holiday, emphasizing its symbolic importance in honoring the contributions of his grandfather. However, nearly two months after taking office, the promise remains unfulfilled, leading to questions about the government’s commitment and ability to act on its assurances.
Nasir Aslam Wani, an advisor to the Chief Minister, sought to address the issue earlier this month, stating that the Council of Ministers had formally recommended the inclusion of December 5 as a public holiday. “Hopefully, the holiday will be observed on this day again next year,” he said, offering a glimmer of hope but no concrete resolution. Critics, however, argue that repeated expressions of intent without action highlight inefficiencies and a lack of political will to prioritize the issue.
