A provocative statement by former Chief Minister and National Conference (NC) president Dr. Farooq Abdullah has triggered a major political controversy, with coalition partner Congress and opposition BJP strongly condemning the veteran politician’s remarks as “irresponsible” and “immature”.
Farooq, who has often courted controversy with his remarks, made a statement about Pakistan on Saturday while addressing a convention of party workers in Baramulla, north Kashmir.
“It is only because of neighbouring Pakistan that the lives of the people of Jammu and Kashmir are being saved,” he said.
He claimed that Pakistan was “protecting” the people of Jammu and Kashmir by repeatedly raising the Kashmir issue at international forums. Questioning the Central Government’s intentions, he called on people to unite and fight for their rights.
BJP leaders described Farooq’s remarks as anti-national and accused him of echoing Pakistan’s narrative. They also questioned his claims about Pakistan’s role in Jammu and Kashmir.
Congress leaders, meanwhile, disagreed with Farooq’s remarks on Pakistan and reiterated that Jammu and Kashmir was an integral part of India. They also expressed concern over the political and administrative situation in the Union Territory, particularly the continued delay in the restoration of statehood.
BJP spokesperson R. P. Singh said Farooq should look at the situation in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). He asserted that Jammu and Kashmir had been progressing rapidly on the path of development since the abrogation of Article 370.
Farooq said Pakistan’s efforts to raise the Kashmir issue internationally were putting pressure on India. Questioning the Centre’s approach, he urged people to muster the courage to stand up for their rights.
“What can you expect from Delhi? You must muster the courage to stand up to them and fight. If you don’t, you will be wiped out. Your name and identity will vanish,” he said.
The NC president also reiterated that the people of Jammu and Kashmir had never disowned their Indian identity.
“The people of Jammu and Kashmir have never denied their Indian identity. We have repeatedly reiterated that we merged with India, in Mahatma Gandhi’s India, Jawaharlal Nehru’s India, and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad’s India,” he said.
“We never imagined that a time would come when Hindus and Muslims would be pitted against each other for power,” he added.
Farooq further questioned whether the people of Jammu and Kashmir could expect justice from the Centre, alleging that international pressure was influencing its response.
“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 the pressure from the world,” he said.
The NC chief reiterated his party’s commitment to the restoration of Article 370 and statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, asserting that the people would regain their constitutional rights through unity and a sustained democratic struggle.
Abdullah said Jammu and Kashmir was passing through a difficult phase, with the elected government functioning with limited powers and people facing challenges in safeguarding their political and constitutional rights.
“We will fight for it. One day we will get it back,” he said, referring to Article 370, which was abrogated in August 2019.
Congress Distances Itself from Farooq’s Remarks
Facing potential political embarrassment over Farooq Abdullah’s controversial remarks, coalition partner Congress distanced itself from the National Conference president’s statement.
Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) chief spokesperson Ravinder Sharma said Pakistan had no right to discuss or interfere in India’s internal affairs, asserting that Jammu and Kashmir was an integral part of the country.
“Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India, and it will remain an integral part. Pakistan spreads terrorism. Pakistan has no right or claim to raise the issue of Jammu and Kashmir—especially following the Shimla Agreement, under which it was agreed in writing that bilateral issues would be addressed through direct, bilateral engagement,” Sharma said.
Commenting further on the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, Sharma referred to the alleged disenfranchisement of minority voters, the use of bulldozers against minorities, and other forms of oppression. He also pointed out that an elected government was in place in the Union Territory.
BJP Slams Farooq Abdullah Over Remarks on Pakistan
Strongly criticising Farooq Abdullah’s reported remark that Pakistan was “protecting us”, BJP MLA from Udhampur East Ranbir Singh Pathania said Jammu and Kashmir’s security and stability were secured by the supreme sacrifices of its security personnel, the Constitution of India, and the resilience of its people—not by a country that had unleashed tribal aggression in 1947 and continued to support cross-border terrorism.
“Pakistan cannot be projected as a protector of the very people who have suffered its aggression and terrorism. Congress and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah must categorically clarify whether they endorse this narrative. National interest, constitutional integrity and the sacrifices of our security forces cannot be compromised at the altar of political expediency,” he said.
Pathania asserted that Pakistan’s persistent attempts to internationalise the Kashmir issue could not be viewed in isolation from its history of hostility towards India and the serious security challenges faced by Jammu and Kashmir.
“When a senior political leader suggests that Pakistan is protecting the people of Jammu and Kashmir, the people have every right to seek clarity. Political leadership demands responsibility, particularly on issues concerning national interest, constitutional integrity and the future of our region,” he said.
He added that any credible allegation of a violation of the law should be examined by the competent authorities, with strict penal action wherever warranted.
Emphasising the need for responsible leadership, Pathania said the people of Jammu and Kashmir deserved leaders who prioritised their interests, adding that the region had witnessed enough suffering due to terrorism, cross-border hostility and prolonged instability.