Farooq Abdullah Urges Unity to Restore Jammu and Kashmir’s Rights (Img: Dynamite News)
Baramulla: Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah triggered a political controversy on Saturday after claiming that Pakistan was helping protect the lives of Kashmiris. His remarks drew a sharp response from the BJP, which defended the Centre’s decisions on Jammu and Kashmir.
Speaking at a party workers’ convention in Baramulla, Abdullah credited Pakistan’s international campaign on the Kashmir issue with safeguarding people in the region and questioned the Centre’s intentions towards them.
“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,” the National Conference president said.
He also urged people to stand up for their rights, alleging that the government’s position was influenced by international pressure and pointing to Pakistan’s efforts to raise the Kashmir issue globally.
"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 (government of India) are silent today because of the pressure from the world. Our neighbour (Pakistan) goes everywhere saying that the Kashmir issue has not been resolved," he added.
Baramulla, Jammu and Kashmir: National Conference President Farooq Abdullah says, "They are completely independent. When I saw those documents, 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. Our neighbour is constantly after them. He goes everywhere saying that the Kashmir issue has not been resolved. He is protecting us; otherwise, their intentions are not good."
— IANS (@ians_india) October 24, 2026
The BJP criticised Abdullah’s remarks, drawing a comparison between the development of Jammu and Kashmir and the conditions in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
BJP spokesperson RP Singh said the Narendra Modi government’s decision to revoke Article 370 had led to the full integration of Jammu and Kashmir with India.
Also Read: Farooq Abdullah Says Pakistan Is ‘Saving’ Kashmiris, BJP Hits Back Over Article 370
“Farooq Abdullah should also look across the border and see the plight of Kashmiris on the other side. Kashmir is doing well here because Article 370 was abrogated and Kashmir was fully integrated with India,” Singh said.
Delhi: On National Conference President Farooq Abdullah's statement, BJP National Spokesperson RP Singh says, "Farooq Abdullah should also look across the border and see the plight of Kashmiris on the other side. Kashmir is doing well here because Article 370 was abrogated and Kashmir was fully integrated with India."
— IANS (@ians_india) October 24, 2026
Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, was abrogated in August 2019. In October that year, the government reorganised the erstwhile state into two Union territories: Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.
Abdullah’s remarks and the BJP’s response have brought the region’s political status, the Centre’s policies and Pakistan’s role in raising the Kashmir issue back into the political spotlight.
