Protests broke out in Jammu on Monday after National Conference president Farooq Abdullah’s remarks about Pakistan and Kashmir drew criticism from BJP leaders and several organisations, with some demanding his arrest and legal action.
Abdullah made the remarks at a gathering in Baramulla on Saturday, suggesting that Pakistan’s position on the Kashmir dispute was helping protect Kashmiris. His comments triggered demonstrations by several groups, including the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), Rashtriya Bajrang Dal, Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha, Dogra Front and the National Anti-Terrorism Front (NATF).
Protesters raised slogans and burnt effigies of the National Conference leader.
BJP Leaders Demand Apology
BJP Rajya Sabha MP Sat Sharma demanded that Abdullah apologise to the people of India, saying his remarks were unacceptable. Sharma also suggested that Abdullah should consider moving to Pakistan if he refused to apologise.
BJP MLA Vikram Randhawa described the remarks as anti-national and accused Abdullah of speaking in favour of a country that India has repeatedly accused of supporting cross-border terrorism.
Former Jammu and Kashmir BJP president Ravinder Raina also condemned the comments and questioned how Pakistan could be described as a well-wisher of Kashmiris. He demanded an apology from Abdullah.
BJP leader Shakti Raj Parihar called for an FIR to be registered against Abdullah on sedition charges and demanded his arrest.
The NATF, led by its national chairman Vishal Chopra, also staged a protest and sought an apology. Chopra said a former chief minister should be mindful of the responsibility attached to his public position.
Vivek Bali, Jammu and Kashmir president of the Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party, called for an investigation and appropriate legal action if the remarks were found to violate the law. He said public representatives should exercise responsibility when speaking about national security and the country’s sovereignty.
Complaint Filed Against Abdullah
Panun Kashmir and the Jammu State People’s Movement said they had filed a criminal complaint against Abdullah at Channi Police Station in Jammu.
The complaint was submitted through Panun Kashmir chairman Tito Ganju and Jammu State People’s Movement chairman Colonel Ajay Raina.
“Whom is Pakistan protecting, and from what?” Ganju asked, referring to Abdullah’s reported remarks.
The Jammu State Movement also held an emergency meeting chaired by retired Brigadier Vijay Sagar Dhewan at Upper Roop Nagar. The organisation appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and other authorities to order a fair, independent and time bound investigation.
It called for scrutiny of Abdullah’s remarks and asked authorities to examine whether action under the National Security Act, including preventive detention, was warranted if the legal requirements were met. It also urged the Election Commission of India to examine any relevant issues under applicable election laws.
Congress Reaffirms Jammu and Kashmir’s Accession to India
Congress leader Ravinder Sharma said Jammu and Kashmir was an integral part of India and would remain so. He said Pakistan had no right to raise the Kashmir issue, referring to the Shimla Agreement and its framework for resolving bilateral issues through direct engagement.
Sharma also referred to Abdullah’s concerns about the alleged denial of justice to minorities and other issues in the region. He said the Congress continued to seek the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, citing assurances given by the government and discussions in Parliament.
What Did Farooq Abdullah Say?
Speaking in Baramulla, Abdullah warned that Kashmiris risked losing their identity if they failed to protect it. He referred to the unresolved Kashmir dispute and said Pakistan’s continued involvement in the issue was a factor preventing what he described as unfavourable intentions from being carried out.
“If you don’t keep it, you will be erased. Even our trace and identity will disappear. Nothing will be left,” Abdullah said.
He also said that the people of Jammu and Kashmir had never denied being Indian and referred to the India associated with Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad.
“We never said that we are not Indians. Time and time again, we affirmed that we acceded to India,” he said.
Abdullah further alleged that Hindus and Muslims were being pitted against each other for political power, adding that he believed the situation would eventually change.
