There has been a political uproar over the statement given by former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah regarding Kashmir. BJP has called his statement 'anti-India'.
Without naming Pakistan, Farooq Abdullah said during a National Conference program in North Kashmir's Baramulla district, "They are saving us."
While BJP has reacted strongly to this statement of Farooq Abdullah, Congress leaders have said that Farooq Abdullah should not have given such a statement.
Many Muslim religious leaders have also condemned Farooq Abdullah's statement.
What did Farooq Abdullah say?
Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Farooq Abdullah was addressing party workers during a program in Baramulla on Saturday, October 24.
In his speech, Abdullah mentioned the removal and delimitation of special status given to Kashmir under Article 370 and accused BJP of discriminating against Muslims.
He said, "What can you expect from Delhi? They will do justice - hey, have the courage to confront them. If you don't, you will be destroyed, your name and trace will be erased. They are silent today because there is noise in the world and our neighbor is after them. He reaches everywhere, saying that Kashmir has not been decided. He is saving us.
“Their intentions are not good. They say one thing and do exactly the opposite. Have strength so that you can hold the truth, telling the truth is not easy."
He further said in his speech, “Tried in every way to create difficulties for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. They can't get up, they keep crawling and we keep begging from them. Unless you people stand on your feet, you will never be able to regain your respect. Remember this from me."
Abdullah said in his speech that he never said that he was not an Indian. He said that he has repeatedly said that he joined the India of Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru and Maulana Azad.
Alleging discrimination against Muslims in BJP ruled states in the country, he said, "They never expected that such a period would come, where Muslims and Hindus would be made to fight amongst themselves, just for this chair, the condition of India has been made worse."
Reaction of BJP and Congress
BJP spokesperson in Jammu and Kashmir Altaf Thakur termed Abdullah's statement as anti-India and said that the stance of the National Conference itself has been anti-India.
He said, “This is an open rebellion in front of the country. His statement is against the unity and integrity of the country. National Conference has always been anti-national. The statement made by Farooq Abdullah is completely anti-national. Action should be taken against them."
BJP spokesperson RP Singh said, "The Pakistan which Farooq Abdullah Saheb is praising, what has Pakistan given to this part of Kashmir - terrorism, separatism, making people stone pelters."
He said that after the arrival of BJP at the Centre, Kashmir is connected with the mainstream and investments are coming into Kashmir. The number of tourists has increased here.
BJP leader Ravindra Raina said, “Dr. Farooq Abdullah has given this statement in the context of Kashmir and Pakistan, it is a very condemnable and irresponsible statement, he has once again committed treason, how can Pakistan be well-wishers of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, never."
Statements from Congress and SP leaders also came
Congress leaders have also criticized this statement of Abdullah.
Congress MP from Saharanpur Imran Masood said, “Pakistan is not able to save itself. If Pakistan had been good then Kashmiris would have been treated well in Pakistan occupied Kashmir. Pakistan is a cunning country, do not expect anything from Pakistan. I don't understand why Farooq Abdullah made such a statement, from Sheikh Abdullah, Farooq Abdullah to Omar Abdullah, his policy has always been for India."
Masood said that he does not know in what context he has given this statement, but if he has given such a statement then he cannot support it.
Congress leader Udit Raj said, “Till date, such a thing has never been heard from Farooq Abdullah ji. He never gave such a statement. Tell us how troubled are the Kashmiris of Pakistan occupied Kashmir. They want to meet with India, if they were happy in Pakistan then would they have struggled to meet with India."
Samajwadi Party MP Mohibullah Nadvi said, "Kashmir is ours and Kashmiris are also ours, we, the people of socialism, talk about giving respect to everyone, the unrest that has been in Kashmir, because of Pakistan's interference, its wrong policies, it has harmed Kashmiriyat, it has harmed Kashmiri Muslims, it has harmed the Pandits and the Sikhs as well."
He said that he does not know why Farooq Abdullah Saheb is giving such a statement.
Deobandi Ulema Qari Ishaq Gora said, "Farooq Abdullah's statement is condemnable. He should apologize to the people of India."
Maulana Khalid Rashid Firangi Mahali, executive member of All India Muslim Personal Law Board, said, "There is no doubt that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and the security of this entire region has always been ensured by our security forces. That is why a large number of security personnel including Army, CRPF and Jammu and Kashmir Police are deployed there for the security of Jammu and Kashmir."
"There is no doubt that a large number of security personnel have sacrificed their lives to ensure security there. Therefore, to say that any other country is protecting Jammu and Kashmir is absolutely unacceptable. It is objectionable and condemnable. Whoever has made this statement should clarify his statement."
