DPAP, BJP delete Farooq Abdullah’s remarks on Pakistan as ‘Kashmir’s savior’

Farooq Abdullah addressing a convention of party workers in Baramulla district on 24 October 2026 | Photo credit: PTI

Democratic Progressive Party Azad (DPAP) Chairman Ghulam Nabi Azad and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday (October 25, 2026) retracted remarks by National Conference (NC) Chairman Farooq Abdullah, who allegedly referred to “Pakistan and its savior role in Kashmir”.

Describing Mr Abdullah’s remarks as “outrageous and anti-national”, BJP spokesperson Altaf Thakur demanded that the authorities “investigate and take appropriate legal action”.

“It was deeply unfortunate that a senior political leader questioned India’s intentions towards the people of J&K while projecting Pakistan as a force working in their interests. Mr. Abdullah should be condemned for such remarks. A leader who has taken oath under the Indian Constitution cannot be allowed to question the country’s intentions towards his own people while giving political legitimacy to Pakistan’s narrative,” Thakur said.

According to him, Pakistan is responsible for terrorism, bloodshed, fear and insecurity in Kashmir. “Families have lost loved ones, young people have been driven to violence and generations have suffered due to Pakistan sponsored terrorism. Does Farooq Abdullah expect the people of Kashmir to forget this painful history and believe that Pakistan is their savior?” he said.

He asked Mr Abdullah to explain “why he is so eager to credit Pakistan for raising the Kashmir issue but has little to say about the suffering caused by terrorism”. “The people of Jammu and Kashmir are Indians and their future is linked to the peace, progress and democratic framework of this country,” Thakur said.

Mr. Azad also criticized the comments of Dr. Farooq Abdullah. “Since 1947, successive central governments, from (Jawaharlal) Nehru ji to (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi ji, have contributed to the development of J&K, irrespective of political affiliation. I am shocked by Farooq Abdullah saheb’s statement. Given his long public career as the chief minister of J&K and our minister, I never expected our minister to be destroyed, Mr. Pakistan. Azad said.

“Pakistan has always destabilized J&K. Hundreds of people have been killed and women widowed by Pakistani militants. Pandits left Kashmir by the millions because they were persecuted by militants. Look at POK (Pakistan Occupied Kashmir) where people are protesting and demanding their rights. Pakistan was and still is the enemy of the people of J&K Pakistan. Pandit was never our threat to J&K Pakistan. Azad said.

Addressing a meeting of party workers in north Kashmir’s Baramulla on Saturday (October 25, 2026), Mr Abdullah was quoted as saying that the people of J&K should not “expect justice from Delhi”.

“You (the people) must have the courage to face them (Centre) and fight. If you don’t, you will be erased. Your name and identity will disappear and no one will even remember you. Our neighbor (apparently meaning Pakistan) is constantly harassing them. They (Pakistan) are going everywhere saying that the Kashmir issue is not resolved. They (Pakistan) are not protecting us (Pakistan) well. Otherwise, we (Pakistan) does not protect.Said Farooq Abdullah.

Union Minister Giriraj Singh also launched an attack on Farooq Abdullah over his claim that the Centre’s intentions towards Jammu and Kashmir were “not good”.

Speaking to the media, Mr. Singh said, “Farooq Abdullah and his father are enemies of India; they are the result of the sins of the Congress. People like Farooq Abdullah are there because of the sins committed by Nehru. After the abrogation of Article 370, the situation in Kashmir has changed. People are getting jobs there, tourists are visiting…”

Published – 25 Oct 2026 20:52 IST