Srinagar: A massive political row has erupted following a controversial statement by National Conference President and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah. While addressing a gathering of party workers in Baramulla, North Kashmir, Abdullah allegedly praised Pakistan’s role in internationalising the Kashmir issue and simultaneously questioned New Delhi’s intentions regarding the Union Territory. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has strongly condemned the remarks, demanding a public apology from the veteran leader to the entire nation.
During his address, Abdullah claimed that if Pakistan had not raised the Kashmir issue on global platforms, it would have been exceedingly difficult to “save Kashmir”. He further expressed deep scepticism towards the Central Government, stating that New Delhi’s intentions “do not seem right” and urged the people of Kashmir to stand up and fight for their own rights.
The statements drew a sharp and immediate rebuke from the BJP leadership. Jammu and Kashmir BJP President Sat Sharma lashed out at Abdullah, accusing him of attempting to divide the country with such rhetoric. “If Farooq Abdullah has so much love for Pakistan, he should go and settle there,” Sharma stated.
The BJP state chief asserted that Abdullah’s political mindset remains stubbornly stuck in the year 1953, arguing that leaders making such statements are directly responsible for deteriorating the region’s atmosphere. Sharma demanded that the former Chief Minister must apologise not just to the Muslim community, but to the 140 crore citizens of India, emphasising that such remarks severely harm the unity and integrity of the nation.
Apart from his remarks on Pakistan, Abdullah also launched an attack on the administration of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. He alleged that critical files related to the health sector have been pending in the LG’s office for over a year without any resolution. Specifically, he pointed to a policy mandating medical students in the Union Territory to serve in local hospitals for two years or pay a heavy penalty of Rs 40 lakh, asserting that no official decision has been taken to address the students’ grievances.