As a mark of respect to Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, Jammu and Kashmir has been observing a public holiday on his birth anniversary every year. Ironically, a heavy security contingent remains deployed round the clock at his mausoleum on the banks of world famous Dal Lake near Hazratbal, lest the inimical elements desecrate the resting place of Sher-e-Kashmir, as he was known during his lifetime. His immediate family members and National Conference workers go each year under security blanket to pay their tributes to the late leader.
Is it a matter of pride or shame to commemorate the birth anniversary of such a leader amid fear psychosis because of the situation having been allowed to slip out beyond redemption, ironically by inept handling of his own kin, that the people can’t even remember their celebrity legends?
