‘India’s Intentions Are Not Right’: Farooq Abdullah’s Kashmir Remarks Trigger BJP Backlash

SRINAGAR / NEW DELHI: National Conference (NC) chief Farooq Abdullah sparked a major political row on Saturday by crediting the "neighbour" - a reference to Pakistan - with protecting the lives and identity of the people of Kashmir, and questioning India’s intentions towards them.

Addressing a party workers’ convention in Baramulla, the former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister said:

 “Pakistan is going to many places and talking about Kashmiris. That is why the people of Jammu and Kashmir are being saved. Otherwise, India’s intentions towards Kashmiris are not right.”

He further said, “They are completely independent. When I saw those documents, 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. They are silent today because of pressure from the world. Our neighbour is constantly pursuing them, going everywhere saying that the Kashmir issue has not been resolved. He is protecting us; otherwise, their intentions are not good.”

Abdullah also claimed the Centre was “silent” on Jammu and Kashmir due to “global pressure.”

 BJP Hits Back, Calls Remarks Seditious:*

 The BJP hit back at Abdullah, branding his remarks as “pro-Pakistan,” “seditious” and “anti-national,” and demanding an apology and legal action.

 BJP national spokesperson RP Singh urged Abdullah to look across the border and see the plight of Kashmiris on the other side.

 “Kashmir is doing well here because Article 370 was abrogated and Kashmir was fully integrated with India. That's why two crore tourists visit Kashmir every year. That's why Kashmir is doing economically well,” Singh told IANS.

Jammu and Kashmir BJP president Sat Sharma demanded an apology to the people of the country, saying Abdullah is permitted to say whatever he wishes in India.

 “Farooq Abdullah, you are permitted to say whatever you wish in this country — that is precisely why you are able to speak so freely. Had you said these same things in Pakistan, you wouldn't have been left with anything at all,” Sharma told ANI.

 BJP national executive member Ravinder Raina termed the remarks unfortunate and condemnable, questioning how Pakistan, which India accuses of supporting terrorism, could be portrayed as a protector of Kashmiris.

 BJP national council member Yamini Sharma accused Abdullah of echoing Pakistan’s narrative, saying the National Conference has become a mouthpiece for Pakistan.

 BJP MLA Yudhvir Sethi said the remarks amount to sedition and that those speaking against the nation must face sedition charges.

J&K BJP spokesperson Altaf Thakur called the comments “seditious and anti-national” and demanded Abdullah be booked.

 The Congress, an ally backing the NC-led government in J&K, said Abdullah could have expressed his personal view and that India would not tolerate any interference into its internal affairs.

 Omar Abdullah, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and Farooq Abdullah’s son, has not yet commented on his father’s statements.

 Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, was abrogated in August 2019. Two months later, the erstwhile state was reorganised into two Union Territories — Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.