Farooq Abdullah says Pakistan protects Kashmir; BJP demands legal action

Farooq Abdullah, the former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir and National Conference party president, made controversial remarks on October 24 in Baramulla suggesting that Pakistan provides protection to Kashmir's people through diplomatic efforts on international platforms. Speaking at a National Conference workers' rally, Abdullah said Pakistan's continued raising of the Kashmir issue at international forums shields the region from Indian government policies he characterized as discriminatory toward Muslims. He criticized the central government's commitment to Kashmir following the 2019 revocation of Article 370, which had granted the territory special constitutional status, and expressed frustration over delayed restoration of statehood despite assembly elections held two years prior.

Abdullah's remarks sparked immediate backlash. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) condemned his statements as anti-national and unpatriotic. Senior BJP figures, including Jammu and Kashmir BJP spokesperson Altaf Thakur and former state president Ravinder Rana, called for legal action against Abdullah, arguing that praising Pakistan—which they characterized as responsible for terrorism and separatism in Kashmir—constitutes sedition. They also suggested that Abdullah should relocate to Pakistan if he favors that country. BJP spokesperson R.P. Singh challenged Abdullah to compare Kashmir's development under Indian rule to Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Senior BJP council member Yamini Sharma said the remarks violated India's constitution.

Congress leaders distanced themselves from Abdullah's views, stating his comments represented personal opinions rather than party positions and emphasizing that India's internal affairs should not be subject to external interference. Islamic religious leaders also condemned the remarks. Abdullah defended his position by stating he has consistently affirmed his belonging to Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad's vision of India, and criticized BJP-governed states' treatment of Muslims, including demolition actions.