National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Saturday triggered a political controversy after saying Pakistan was protecting the people of Jammu and Kashmir by raising the Kashmir issue at international forums. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) demanded a public apology from the former chief minister over his remarks.
Speaking at a party workers’ convention in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, Abdullah questioned the Centre’s intentions towards Kashmiris and whether people in Jammu and Kashmir could expect justice from Delhi.
“Our neighbour is constantly after them. He (Pak PM Shehbaz Sharif) goes everywhere saying that the Kashmir issue has not been resolved. He is protecting us; otherwise, their (India's) intentions are not good,” Abdullah said, referring to Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to raise the Kashmir issue.
He also urged people to stand up for their rights and identity, saying they risked losing their identity if they failed to show courage.
“What can you expect from Delhi? Do you expect them to deliver justice for you? Have the courage to fight, or you will be wiped out, and your identity will disappear,” he said.
Jammu and Kashmir BJP president Sat Sharma condemned Abdullah’s remarks and demanded that he publicly apologise to the people of India.
Sharma said Abdullah was able to make such statements because of the freedom available in India, adding that he might not have been spared had he made similar remarks in Pakistan. He also asserted that Muslims in Jammu and Kashmir were safe in India.
BJP spokesperson RP Singh also criticised Abdullah, asking him to look at the condition of Kashmiris across the border. Singh attributed Jammu and Kashmir’s progress to the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019 and its integration with India.
Other BJP leaders accused Abdullah of echoing Pakistan’s narrative and demanded an apology. BJP MLA Yudhvir Sethi also called for action over the remarks.
At the same convention, Abdullah called on Muslims across the country to unite against demolition drives in BJP-ruled states, alleging that properties belonging to members of the community were being disproportionately targeted. He also criticised sections of the mainstream media, accusing them of acting as mouthpieces of the government.
Comments (0)