National Conference president Farooq Abdullah triggered a political confrontation on Saturday after saying Pakistan was protecting the interests of Jammu and Kashmir's people by repeatedly raising the Kashmir issue internationally. The BJP denounced the remarks, accused the former chief minister of treason and demanded a public apology.

Speaking at a party workers' convention in Baramulla in north Kashmir, Abdullah referred to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's repeated statements on Kashmir at international forums. He alleged that Pakistan's interventions were protecting Kashmiris, while questioning the Centre's intentions and its commitment to addressing their concerns.

Abdullah also urged people in Jammu and Kashmir to stand up for their rights and identity, questioning whether they could expect justice from the government in Delhi.

BJP Calls Remarks ‘Treason’

Jammu and Kashmir BJP chief Sat Sharma demanded that Abdullah apologise to the people of India. He argued that the freedom to make such statements was guaranteed in India and said the NC leader would not enjoy the same liberty in Pakistan. Sharma also maintained that Muslims in Jammu and Kashmir were safe in India.

Former J&K BJP president Ravinder Raina described Abdullah's comments as “highly condemnable and unfortunate”, accusing him of an act of treason. He blamed Pakistan for decades of terrorism in the region, alleging that it had supplied militants with training, weapons, ammunition and explosives.

Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader Vinod Bansal also criticised Abdullah, asserting that Jammu and Kashmir was an integral part of India. He questioned the suggestion that Pakistan was responsible for Kashmiris' safety, crediting India's strength for maintaining security in the region.

Pakistan has repeatedly raised Kashmir, including the abrogation of Article 370, at international platforms such as the United Nations and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. The Centre revoked Article 370 in August 2019, ending Jammu and Kashmir's special constitutional status and reorganising the former state into the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

Abdullah Urges Muslims to Unite Against Demolitions

At the Baramulla gathering, Abdullah also called on Muslims across India to unite against the BJP over demolition drives in states governed by the party. He alleged that homes, shops and places of worship belonging to members of the community were being disproportionately targeted.

The BJP and state authorities have maintained that demolition actions are directed against illegal encroachments and unauthorised constructions, irrespective of religion. Opposition parties and critics, however, have alleged selective targeting of Muslim-owned properties.

Abdullah further accused sections of the mainstream media of acting as “paid mouthpieces” of the ruling establishment. He alleged that pressure and financial incentives were undermining editorial independence and that journalists critical of the government faced intimidation and police summons.