Jammu-Kashmir: In a revelation that has sent shockwaves through the political circles of Jammu and Kashmir, former RAW Chief A.S. Dulat has alleged in his new book, “The Chief Minister and The Spy,” that former Chief Minister and National Conference President Dr. Farooq Abdullah secretly supported the abrogation of Article 370. This claim contradicts Abdullah’s public condemnation of the 2019 decision, which he labeled a “betrayal” of the people of Kashmir.
Dulat’s book details a stark contrast between Abdullah’s public persona and private sentiments during a turbulent time in Kashmiri politics. According to Dulat, while Abdullah vocally opposed the revocation of the special status of J-K, he harbored private approval for the move, stirring significant controversy among political circles.
Reacting to Dulat’s assertions, Dr. Farooq Abdullah vehemently denied the claims, describing them as riddled with inaccuracies. “If Dulat sahab really considers me a friend, then he wouldn’t have written such things,” Abdullah stated. He specifically refuted claims regarding his discussions with Dulat about government formation in 1996, calling them “completely false.”
National Conference Chief Spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq echoed Abdullah’s sentiments, labeling Dulat’s claims as contradictory and an attempt to incite controversy. He pointed out inconsistencies within Dulat’s narrative, questioning the credibility of the author and highlighting that the Peoples Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD) was formed after Abdullah’s release from custody.
Sadiq further criticized Dulat’s remarks about the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), calling them inappropriate and suggesting that they were part of an effort to remain relevant in political discourse. He asserted that the opposition is fabricating stories due to a lack of substantial issues to address.
In a pointed response, PDP leader Wahid ur Rehman Para stated that Dulat’s revelations expose the National Conference’s duplicity. He accused the party of maintaining a façade of resistance while being complicit in the disempowerment of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Para characterized the NC’s legacy as one of opportunism rather than genuine resistance.
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