Farooq Abdullah Reaffirms Commitment to Restore Article 370 Amidst BJP Opposition

Farooq Abdullah, president of the National Conference (NC) and former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, has reaffirmed his commitment to restoring Article 370. This special provision, which granted autonomy to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, was revoked by the BJP government in 2019.

Abdullah’s statements come in response to remarks by Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who declared that the restoration of Article 370 is impossible under the current BJP administration. Singh’s comments emphasized the party’s stance against any potential reversal.

In a recent press conference in Baramulla, Abdullah challenged Singh’s assertion. He questioned how long it took the BJP to revoke Article 370, suggesting that restoring it might indeed take years, but it remains a steadfast goal. “This is the voice of the entire J-K,” Abdullah asserted, highlighting that the push for restoration reflects widespread public sentiment in the region.

Abdullah criticized the BJP’s claim that Article 370 was a root cause of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. He pointed out that violence continued even after the article’s abrogation, questioning the BJP’s explanation. “If Article 370 was responsible for terrorism, where is this terrorism coming from now?” he asked.

The NC president also held New Delhi accountable for the ongoing issues in Jammu and Kashmir. He recalled past incidents, such as the hijacking of Indian Airlines flight IC814 to Kandahar, and criticized the decision to release militants like Masood Azhar. Abdullah contended that New Delhi’s decisions contributed to the current turmoil and instability in the region.

Abdullah’s remarks reflect a broader dissatisfaction with the central government’s handling of Jammu and Kashmir. His call for the restoration of Article 370 underscores a deep-seated belief in the necessity of this provision for the region’s autonomy and identity.

The debate over Article 370 remains a contentious issue in Indian politics, with significant implications for Jammu and Kashmir’s future. Abdullah’s statements highlight the ongoing political struggle and the challenges faced in addressing the aspirations and grievances of the people in the region.