*Farooq’s Pro-Pakistan Statement Seditious, Anti-National; He Should Be Booked: Altaf Thakur*

Srinagar, Oct 24: Senior BJP leader and Jammu and Kashmir BJP spokesman Altaf Thakur on Saturday launched a scathing attack on National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah over his reported remarks that Kashmiris were surviving because Pakistan was raising the Kashmir issue at international forums, terming the statement “seditious and anti-national” and demanding that the authorities examine it and take appropriate legal action.

Reacting to Abdullah’s remarks in Baramulla, Thakur said it was deeply unfortunate that a senior political leader was questioning India’s intentions towards the people of Jammu and Kashmir while projecting Pakistan as a force working in their interest.
“Farooq Abdullah’s pro-Pakistan statement is seditious and anti-national, and he should be booked for making such remarks. A leader who has taken an oath under the Indian Constitution cannot be allowed to question the country’s intentions towards its own people while giving political legitimacy to Pakistan’s narrative,” Thakur said.
Taking a direct swipe at the National Conference president, Thakur said, “If Farooq Abdullah has so much love for Pakistan, he should go to Pakistan. The people living in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir are desperate for freedom from Pakistan’s misrule and want to join India. He should understand the ground reality instead of glorifying Pakistan from here.”
Thakur said Pakistan had inflicted immense suffering on Jammu and Kashmir through its alleged sponsorship of terrorism, adding that the region had endured decades of violence, targeted killings and destruction of innocent lives.
“Pakistan has given Kashmir nothing but terrorism, bloodshed, fear and uncertainty. Families have lost their loved ones, young people have been pushed towards violence, and generations have suffered because of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. Does Farooq Abdullah expect the people of Kashmir to forget this painful history and believe that Pakistan is their saviour?” he asked.
The BJP spokesman said Pakistan’s attempts to raise the Kashmir issue internationally could not erase its responsibility for the violence that has plagued the region. He maintained that the aspirations of Kashmiris centred on peace, development, employment, tourism and a secure future for their children.
“Pakistan cannot be presented as the protector of Kashmiris when its policies have contributed to decades of suffering. The people of Jammu and Kashmir want peace and progress, not another round of political rhetoric that benefits Pakistan’s propaganda machinery,” he said.
Thakur also questioned the National Conference leadership’s political approach, alleging that its statements on sensitive national issues often failed to acknowledge the sacrifices made by security personnel and civilians in the fight against terrorism.
He said India’s democratic institutions and constitutional framework provided the people of Jammu and Kashmir with avenues for political participation, while Pakistan’s governance of PoJK had generated widespread discontent, according to him.
“Farooq Abdullah should explain why he is so keen to credit Pakistan for raising Kashmir’s 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 peace, progress and the democratic framework of this country,” Thakur said.
Calling upon political leaders to exercise responsibility while speaking on matters concerning national security, Thakur said the authorities should examine Abdullah’s reported remarks in accordance with the law.
He added that Jammu and Kashmir needed leaders who would prioritise public welfare, economic development and lasting peace rather than make statements that, in his view, could strengthen Pakistan’s narrative.
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