SRINAGAR: Condolences poured in from across the political spectrum following the demise of senior Jammu and Kashmir National Conference leader and former minister Dr Mustafa Kamal, who passed away at Paras Hospital in Srinagar on Tuesday evening after a prolonged illness.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced the passing of his paternal uncle in an emotional message on X, saying Dr Kamal had been unwell for several months but his condition deteriorated over the past four days.
“My father’s younger brother Dr Mustafa Kamal passed away earlier this evening at Paras Hospital in Srinagar. Uncle Mustafa had been unwell for some months but took a turn for the worse four 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,” Omar Abdullah wrote.
My father’s younger brother Dr Mustafa Kamal passed away earlier this evening at Paras hospital in Srinagar. 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 & staff treating… pic.twitter.com/deMalNTzPM
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) July 14, 2026
The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference also expressed profound grief over the demise of its veteran leader, describing his death as an irreparable loss to both the party and the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
In a statement, the party said Dr Kamal had devoted decades of his life to public service and to strengthening the ideals and legacy of the National Conference. It said his unwavering commitment, principled leadership and dedication to the people had earned him respect across political and social circles. The party expressed solidarity with party president Farooq Abdullah, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the bereaved family, praying for eternal peace to the departed soul.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also expressed grief over the demise of Dr Mustafa Kamal. In a message on X, Sinha said he was deeply saddened by the passing of the veteran leader and extended his heartfelt condolences to his family, well-wishers and admirers. “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.
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!
— Manoj Sinha (@manojsinha_) July 14, 2026
Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather also expressed profound grief over the demise of Dr Mustafa Kamal, describing him as a towering political figure, distinguished parliamentarian, accomplished administrator and compassionate leader who devoted his life to the service of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Rather said Dr Kamal rendered exemplary service while heading several key departments in the erstwhile state and earned widespread respect for his integrity, humility, visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to public welfare. He said the veteran leader remained committed throughout his political career to the upliftment of the poor, underprivileged and weaker sections of society, while working tirelessly for inclusive development and social justice.
Calling his death an irreparable loss, the Speaker said Jammu and Kashmir had lost one of its most experienced and farsighted leaders whose contributions to governance and public service would be remembered for generations.
Recalling his long association with the late leader, Rather said Dr Kamal was not only a valued Cabinet colleague but also a close associate with whom he shared a warm personal rapport and a deep commitment to public service.
He added that Dr Kamal’s wisdom, affable nature and sincerity had earned him admiration across political lines and that the void created by his passing would be difficult to fill.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary termed Dr Kamal’s death an “irreparable loss” and said his unwavering commitment to public service and the ideals of the National Conference had earned him immense respect. He conveyed his condolences to Dr Farooq Abdullah and the bereaved family.
Minister Sakina Itoo said she was deeply saddened by the passing of Dr Mustafa Kamal and described him as a leader whose contributions to public life and commitment to the people would always be remembered. She extended her heartfelt condolences to Dr Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah and the entire family, praying for strength and patience for them in this difficult time.
Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Information Technology, Youth Services & Sports and Science & Technology Satish Sharma also mourned the demise of Dr Mustafa Kamal, describing him as a distinguished public figure who devoted decades of his life to public service and democratic values.
Sharma said Dr Kamal’s death marked the end of an important chapter in the political history of Jammu and Kashmir and noted that he had earned respect across political and social spheres for his steadfast commitment to public welfare and unwavering engagement with the people.
He said Dr Kamal’s contribution to the political discourse of Jammu and Kashmir and his efforts to strengthen democratic institutions would be remembered for years to come.
Extending his heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved family, relatives, friends and admirers, Sharma prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul and strength for the family to bear the irreparable loss.
“In this moment of profound grief, my thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved family. May the Almighty grant Dr. Mustafa Kamal the highest place in His eternal abode and give strength to all those mourning this huge loss,” the minister said.
Democratic Progressive Azad Party chairman and former Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad described Dr Kamal as a seasoned political leader who served Jammu and Kashmir with commitment and dedication over several decades. He expressed sympathies with the Abdullah family and prayed for peace to the departed soul.
Apni Party president Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari remembered Dr Kamal as one of the most graceful politicians and a distinguished leader whose demise was a great loss. He extended condolences to Dr Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah and other members of the bereaved family, praying for courage and patience to help them bear the loss.
Dr Mustafa Kamal, a senior National Conference leader, former minister and younger brother of Dr Farooq Abdullah, passed away after battling illness for several months. His death has triggered an outpouring of tributes from political leaders across Jammu and Kashmir.
