The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has launched a scathing attack on National Conference (NC) chief and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah, branding his recent remarks regarding Pakistan and Kashmiris as “seditious” and “pro-Pakistan.”
Farooq Abdullah’s Remarks at Baramulla Convention
Speaking at a workers’ convention in Baramulla on Saturday, Farooq Abdullah claimed that the people of Jammu and Kashmir retain their identity largely because Pakistan continues to raise the Kashmir issue at international forums.
”They (the Indian state) are silent today due to pressure from the world. Our neighbour (Pakistan) goes everywhere and says that the Kashmir issue has not been resolved. They are protecting us. Otherwise, their (India’s) intentions are not right,” Abdullah said.
BJP Demands Apology and Alleges Sedition
The BJP reacted swiftly, condemning the veteran leader’s statements as a direct insult to the Indian Constitution and the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
- Ravinder Raina: The BJP national executive member and former state chief accused Abdullah of “dancing to the tunes of anti-nationals,” stating, “How can Pakistan, an enemy country, be the protector of the people of Kashmir? Pakistan is a murderer of the people of Kashmir.”
- RP Singh: The party’s national spokesperson urged Abdullah to look across the border at the plight of citizens in Pakistan-administered regions, highlighting that Jammu and Kashmir’s economic integration following the abrogation of Article 370 has drawn millions of tourists.
- Yudhvir Sethi: BJP MLA Yudhvir Sethi asserted that remarks echoing Pakistan’s narrative amount to sedition and demanded a formal apology from the NC leader.
Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has not yet commented on his father’s statements.
