National Conference president Farooq Abdullah has triggered a political controversy after claiming that Pakistan was raising the Kashmir issue internationally to protect the interests of Jammu and Kashmir’s people. Speaking at a party workers’ convention in Baramulla, he questioned the Centre’s commitment to addressing the region’s grievances and urged people to defend their rights and identity.
The BJP strongly criticised Abdullah’s remarks. Jammu and Kashmir BJP chief Sat Sharma demanded a public apology, while former party chief Ravinder Raina accused him of making statements that amounted to treason. Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader Vinod Bansal also questioned his comments, asserting that Kashmir’s security depended on India.
Abdullah also called for Muslim unity against alleged selective demolitions in BJP-ruled states and criticised sections of the media for their coverage of government policies.
Article 370 was revoked in August 2019, and Jammu and Kashmir was reorganised into two Union Territories.