Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad has sharply rebuked National Conference president Farooq Abdullah over his recent statements regarding Pakistan's influence in the region. Azad declared Abdullah's claims "completely incorrect," firmly stating that Pakistan is an enemy of both India and the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Azad Rejects Abdullah's Stance
Speaking on Sunday, Azad was responding to Abdullah's remarks made at a National Conference event in Budgam. Abdullah had suggested that Pakistan's consistent efforts to highlight the Kashmir issue on international platforms had contributed to the region's safety.
Azad vehemently rejected this argument, pointing to ongoing protests for rights in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) as evidence of Pakistan's detrimental role. He further credited successive Indian governments, from the Nehru era to the Modi administration, with significant contributions to Jammu and Kashmir's development, irrespective of political affiliations.
"I respect Farooq sahab, but his statement is completely incorrect. If anyone is an enemy of India and the people of J&K, it is Pakistan. Look at the situation in PoK, where people are protesting for their rights. Since 1947, successive central governments, from Nehru to Modi, have contributed to J&K’s development, irrespective of political affiliations," Azad posted on X.
Other Leaders Criticize Abdullah
Ghulam Nabi Azad was not alone in his criticism. Former Jammu and Kashmir minister and prominent Shia leader Imran Ansari also took to X to urge Kashmiris not to follow Abdullah's example. Ansari described the National Conference leadership's dissent as a "rented rebellion," alleging they enjoy political freedoms not extended to ordinary citizens.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) also weighed in, demanding police action against Abdullah. BJP spokesperson Altaf Thakur labeled Abdullah's pro-Pakistan remarks as "seditious and anti-national," arguing that a leader sworn under the Indian Constitution should not be allowed to validate Pakistan's narrative while questioning India's intentions.
Thakur reiterated the BJP's stance that Pakistan has brought nothing but "terrorism, bloodshed, fear and uncertainty" to Jammu and Kashmir, questioning how Abdullah could expect Kashmiris to forget this painful history and view Pakistan as a savior.