A news photograph of Sheikh Abdullah arriving at Heathrow airport, London, 7 March 1965 - full details below
I have, by chance, come across two brief interviews with Sheikh Abdullah recorded in the 1960s. Both appear to have been BBC interviews - probably for BBC radio. They both offer real insight into his character and political outlook - and are as revealing of the man as of the movement he led.
Sheikh Abdullah: March 1965
This interview with Sheikh Abdullah, conducted by William Clark, took place in London, three days after his arrival in the UK.
What asked what Kashmiris are seeking he replies: 'They feel that the future of the Kashmir state must rest in their hands'. He insists that Kashmiris view the accession to India as provisional. He is asked whether he would like to see a plebiscite to decide whether Kashmir should be part of India or Pakistan and responds: 'Or take another course' - a clear indication of his preference for independence.
Sheikh Abdullah: January 1968
An interview with Sheikh Abdullah recorded on 3 January 1968. He had just been released from detention and had not yet returned to Srinagar. The interviewer was Donald Milner.
As you might expect for someone just released from jail, Sheikh Abdullah is circumspect about politics and his personal plans - but at one point he remarks of the chief Minister, G.M. Sadiq, and his government: 'I consider them quislings'.
Sheikh Abdullah on Sunil Khilnani's 'Incarnations' series
And as a bonus, here's Sunil Khilnani's short (14 minutes) programme on Sheikh Abdullah broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2016. It includes archive clips of Sheikh Abdullah, a burst of MC Kash (rapping to the riff from Led Zeppelin's 'Kashmir') and the voice of the historian Chitralekha Zutshi - and the 'anonymous' BBC correspondent you hear 3'20 in and again at 13'00 is me (and David Loyn at 11'55, followed very briefly by the voice of Elizabeth Blunt).
... and the photo
The image of the top of the page is a news syndication photo. On the back it bears the headline: 'GREAT AIRPORT SUPPORT FOR THE "LION OF KASHMIR": March 7th 1965'. And the text reads: 'Overwhelming support and affection is shown SHEIKH MOHAMMED ABDULLAH, the Kashmiri leader, as he finds himself in the centre of the crowd on arrival at London Airport (Heathrow) to-day (Sunday) for a visit. Known as the "Lion of Kashmir", during his stay in Britain he is expected to address meetings in London, Bradford, and Birmingham'
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