BJP slams Farooq Abdullah over Kashmir remarks, demands sedition charges

SRINAGAR: The BJP has strongly criticised National Conference president and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah over his controversial remarks concerning Kashmiris. BJP leaders accused him of making statements tantamount to sedition and of favouring Pakistan. Some leaders also demanded that sedition charges be brought against him.

Abdullah made the remarks while addressing a meeting of party workers in Baramulla. He said the Centre's approach towards Kashmiris was not right and claimed that Pakistan's diplomatic efforts to raise the Kashmir issue at international forums were bringing the voices of Kashmiris to the world's attention. Abdullah is the president of the National Conference, the ruling party in Jammu and Kashmir.

He also said India was remaining silent because of pressure from other countries. Pakistan was telling various countries that the Kashmir issue remained unresolved, he said. He further claimed that Pakistan was protecting Kashmiris and that India's intentions were not right.

BJP national executive member and former state president Ravinder Raina described Abdullah's remarks as unfortunate and condemnable. He questioned how Pakistan, which he accused of killing Kashmiris, could be their protector. Raina also alleged that Pakistan was killing innocent Kashmiris, including women and children.

BJP national spokesperson R.P. Singh said Abdullah should examine the condition of Kashmiris living across the border. Singh claimed that the abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution had fully integrated Kashmir with India and that tourist arrivals and economic progress had increased.

BJP National Council member Yamini Sharma also accused Abdullah of insulting the Indian Constitution and patriotic Kashmiris through his remarks. She alleged that thousands of people had lost their lives in cross-border terrorism and accused the National Conference of becoming a spokesperson for Pakistan.