Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Ghulam Nabi Azad on Sunday criticised National Conference president Farooq Abdullah for suggesting that Pakistan was protecting the interests of Kashmiris by raising the disputed region's status at international forums. Azad said Pakistan was an adversary of both India and the people of Jammu and Kashmir, pointing to protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) as evidence of public discontent there.

“I respect Farooq sahab, but his statement is completely incorrect. If anyone is an enemy of India and the people of J&K, it is Pakistan,” Azad wrote on X.

He also credited successive governments at the Centre, from Jawaharlal Nehru to Narendra Modi, with contributing to Jammu and Kashmir's development since Independence, irrespective of their political affiliations.

The exchange follows Abdullah's remarks at a National Conference workers' convention in Baramulla on Saturday. He had argued that Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's repeated references to Kashmir at international forums were helping protect the region, while questioning the Centre's intentions towards its residents.

Abdullah also urged people in Jammu and Kashmir to defend their rights and identity, expressing doubts about whether the government in Delhi would deliver justice to them.

BJP Demands Action Against Abdullah

Abdullah's comments drew strong condemnation from the BJP, whose leaders accused him of lending credibility to Pakistan's position on Kashmir and demanded a public apology.

BJP spokesperson Altaf Thakur called for police action against the National Conference chief, describing his remarks as anti-national. Thakur argued that Abdullah's position was inconsistent with his oath under the Indian Constitution and accused Pakistan of fuelling decades of violence through its alleged support for terrorism.

Jammu and Kashmir BJP president Sat Sharma also sought an apology, arguing that Abdullah's ability to make such statements demonstrated the democratic freedoms available in India. Sharma maintained that Muslims in the Union Territory were safe in the country and criticised Abdullah over his remarks following the 2019 abrogation of Article 370.

Former J&K BJP chief Ravinder Raina accused Pakistan of bringing years of violence and bloodshed to the region. Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader Vinod Bansal also rejected Abdullah's assertion, saying India's strength was central to Jammu and Kashmir's security.

Pakistan has continued to raise Kashmir at international platforms, including the United Nations and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. In August 2019, the Centre revoked Article 370, which had granted special constitutional status to Jammu and Kashmir, and subsequently reorganised the former state into the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

Imran Ansari Accuses NC Leadership of Double Standards

Former minister and Shia leader Imran Ansari also criticised Abdullah, urging Kashmiris not to follow his example. In a post on X, Ansari described the National Conference leadership's political dissent as a “rented rebellion”.

He alleged that prominent political figures could make statements that might expose ordinary Kashmiris to detention if they expressed similar views. Ansari referred to the Public Safety Act (PSA) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), laws that provide for preventive detention and prosecution under specified legal conditions.

Abdullah Raises Demolition Drives, Media Independence

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 Muslim-owned homes, shops and places of worship were being disproportionately targeted and urged the community to collectively defend its rights.

The BJP and state governments have maintained that demolitions are carried out against illegal encroachments and unauthorised constructions, regardless of religion. Opposition parties and other critics have alleged that Muslim properties have faced selective action.

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