Political Row in J&K Over Farooq Abdullah's Pakistan Statement

Srinagar, October 26: The political climate in Jammu and Kashmir has heated up following a statement on Pakistan by National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah. BJP leader Altaf Thakur has responded with strong words, suggesting that those who admire Pakistan so much should consider leaving the region.

Thakur described the statement as condemnable and said it indicated thinking against the nation. He pointed out that Pakistan had promoted violence and bloodshed in Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in the loss of thousands of lives. In his assessment, complimenting such a country exposes an anti-national approach.

He further accused the National Conference of making such remarks to hide its political failures. According to Thakur, internal dissatisfaction within the party is increasing, with some leaders reportedly distancing themselves. He claimed that Abdullah's comments were an attempt to divert attention from the real concerns of the public.

Raising a rhetorical question, Thakur asked how Pakistan, which India has challenged repeatedly on the battlefield and in international forums, could be relied upon to protect Abdullah, let alone Jammu and Kashmir. He maintained that there is no room in the region for anyone who praises Pakistan.

Thakur called on Abdullah to withdraw his statement and apologise. He also said legal action should follow. FIRs are being registered in different areas, and his party is exploring legal avenues. He confirmed that he and others would also lodge complaints.

The BJP leader extended his criticism to Congress over remarks made by its national president Mallikarjun Kharge about Prime Minister Modi. He argued that the party had lost its moral footing and sought an apology for the allegedly objectionable comments.

Reflecting on Accession Day, Thakur said it was a happy and special occasion. On October 26, 1947, he noted, Jammu and Kashmir became part of India. He stressed that the two-nation theory was rejected at that time, even as certain forces were advocating the partition of India on that basis. He portrayed Maharaja Hari Singh as a farsighted ruler who understood where the state and its people would be secure, and therefore decided to join India.