Ghulam Nabi Azad Rejects Farooq Abdullah's Pakistan Remark; BJP Demands Action

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad publicly disagreed with National Conference president Farooq Abdullah, stating that Pakistan is an enemy of India and the people of the Union Territory. Azad's remarks followed statements made by Abdullah at a party workers' convention in Baramulla.

Background of the Controversy

• Farooq Abdullah's Statement: Speaking on Saturday in north Kashmir's Baramulla district, Abdullah claimed that Pakistan's international efforts regarding the Kashmir issue served to protect the region, while questioning the Centre's intentions towards the local population.
• Ghulam Nabi Azad's Response: Azad rejected the claim on social media, emphasizing that Pakistan is the enemy of India and J&K. He pointed to protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and credited successive Central governments since 1947 with contributing to regional development.

Political Reactions and Demands

Abdullah's remarks drew sharp criticism from political leaders, particularly from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP):

• BJP Demands: BJP leaders, including spokesperson Altaf Thakur and Jammu and Kashmir BJP chief Sat Sharma, condemned the comments. Thakur described them as seditious and called for police action, while Sharma demanded a public apology from Abdullah.
• Criticism from Imran Ansari: Former minister Imran Ansari also criticized the National Conference leadership, accusing them of enjoying freedoms not accessible to ordinary citizens.

Readers can verify the original announcements and statements by checking official social media handles and verified news agency reports covering the Baramulla convention and subsequent political responses.