National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah ignited a political firestorm on Saturday after crediting Pakistan with protecting Kashmiris, prompting the Bharatiya Janata Party to demand a public apology. The former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister, speaking at a convention in Baramulla, also alleged the Indian government remains silent on the region due to global pressure.
Abdullah’s Remarks at the Baramulla Convention
Addressing party workers in Baramulla on Saturday, Farooq Abdullah suggested that international attention brought by Pakistan has served as a safeguard for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He argued that the current administration in New Delhi acts only under international scrutiny.
The neighbour (Pakistan) is going to many places and talking about Kashmiris. That is why the people of Jammu and Kashmir are being saved. Otherwise, India’s intentions towards Kashmiris are not right.
Farooq Abdullah, National Conference chief
During the same address, Abdullah questioned the ability of the central government to provide justice, telling his audience they must have the courage to fight, or you will be wiped out, and your identity will disappear.
He further characterized sections of the media as paid mouthpieces
for the ruling establishment, alleging that journalists who remain critical of the government face intimidation.
BJP Demands for an Apology
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) responded swiftly, with J&K unit chief Sat Sharma demanding a public apology. Sharma argued that Abdullah’s ability to speak freely proves India is a democracy, contrasting it with the restricted political climate in Pakistan.
#BreakingNews:“Pakistan is saving Kashmiris: National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah makes a controversial remark at a party workers’ convention in Baramulla, claiming Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts are helping raise the Kashmir issue globally.'Have courage to fight, or you'll… pic.twitter.com/CRxkJwVLgk
Farooq Abdullah needs to understand that he has the freedom to say whatever he wishes in this country. It is precisely because of this freedom that he is able to make such statements. Had you made these remarks in Pakistan, you might not have been spared.
Sat Sharma, J&K BJP president
Other party figures joined the condemnation. Former J&K BJP chief Ravinder Raina described the remarks as highly condemnable and unfortunate,
accusing Pakistan of fostering terrorism in the region for over 35 years. Meanwhile, BJP spokesperson RP Singh emphasized that the 2019 abrogation of Article 370 was the catalyst for the full integration
of Kashmir with India, arguing that the region is doing well because of this integration, contrasting it with the plight of Kashmiris on the other side.
The Context of Article 370 and Regional Security
The political dispute centers on the status of Jammu and Kashmir, which underwent a major constitutional change in August 2019 when the central government abrogated Article 370. This move removed the region’s special status and led to its reorganization into two Union territories: Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.
Pakistan has consistently attempted to raise the Kashmir issue at international forums, including the United Nations and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). While these diplomatic efforts have continued, the Indian government maintains that the region’s status is an internal matter. Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader Vinod Bansal also criticized Abdullah’s stance, asserting that India’s own strength—rather than any external neighbor—ensures the security of the region.
Beyond the remarks on Pakistan, Abdullah accused sections of the mainstream media of functioning as paid mouthpieces
of the ruling establishment and alleged that journalists critical of the government faced police summons and intimidation.