Farooq Abdullah Stirs Row With ‘Pakistan Keeping Kashmir Issue Alive’ Remark

National Conference president and former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abdullah has triggered a political controversy after suggesting that Pakistan’s continued efforts to raise the Kashmir issue at international forums were helping protect the interests and identity of Kashmiris.

His remarks, made at a party workers’ gathering in Baramulla on Saturday, drew sharp criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), with several leaders demanding an apology and accusing him of echoing Pakistan’s narrative. The New Indian Express

Addressing party workers in north Kashmir, Abdullah questioned whether people in Jammu and Kashmir could expect justice from the Centre. He argued that Pakistan’s repeated references to the unresolved Kashmir dispute at international forums had helped keep the issue in the global spotlight.

“They are silent today because there is noise in the world, and our neighbour is constantly behind this,” Abdullah said, referring to Pakistan’s efforts to highlight the Kashmir issue. He added that the neighbouring country’s continued interventions were helping preserve the region’s identity, while questioning New Delhi’s intentions towards its people. Siasat

Abdullah Questions Centre’s Approach Towards Kashmir

The National Conference chief also urged people in Jammu and Kashmir to remain courageous in defending their rights and identity. He warned that a failure to stand up for these concerns could threaten the region’s distinct identity.

Abdullah further asserted that the people of Jammu and Kashmir had never denied their Indian identity, referring to the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad. He also criticised what he described as attempts to divide Hindus and Muslims for political gains.

His comments come amid continuing political disagreements over Jammu and Kashmir’s constitutional status, the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019 and demands for the restoration of the region’s former special status.

BJP Launches Attack, Demands Apology

The remarks prompted an immediate backlash from BJP leaders, who accused Abdullah of making statements favourable to Pakistan and questioned his criticism of the Indian government.

Jammu and Kashmir BJP president Sat Sharma demanded a public apology, arguing that Abdullah’s comments overlooked the rights and security of people in the Union Territory. Other BJP leaders accused him of legitimising Pakistan’s position on Kashmir and called for action over his remarks. Hindustan Times

BJP spokesperson Altaf Thakur went further, describing the remarks as “seditious and anti-national” and demanding police action. He argued that Pakistan’s role in the Kashmir conflict could not be separated from the violence and cross-border terrorism that have affected the region for decades.

BJP leaders also defended the Centre’s policies in Jammu and Kashmir, citing the removal of Article 370, development initiatives and security measures as evidence of the government’s approach towards the Union Territory. NDTV

Kashmir Issue Remains a Point of Political Contention

The controversy highlights the continuing political divide over Kashmir, particularly the role of Pakistan, the Centre’s policies and the question of political rights and identity in Jammu and Kashmir.

India maintains that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of the country and has repeatedly accused Pakistan of supporting cross-border terrorism. Pakistan, meanwhile, continues to raise the Kashmir dispute at international forums.

Abdullah’s remarks have once again brought these competing positions into focus, with the BJP arguing that his comments undermine India’s position and the National Conference leader questioning whether the Centre is adequately addressing the concerns of Kashmiris.

The latest exchange is likely to intensify the political debate over Kashmir’s future, the legacy of Article 370 and the relationship between the Union Territory and the central government.