Srinagar: A fresh political controversy has erupted in Jammu and Kashmir following Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s remarks linking the increased security provided to separatist leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq to a decline in separatist activities in the Union Territory.
The remarks, made during a discussion on ‘News18 India,’ sparked sharp criticism from opposition parties, particularly the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the Jammu and Kashmir People’s Conference (JKPC), who accused Abdullah of taking a U-turn on his electoral promises.
During the interview, Omar Abdullah stated that separatist activities in Jammu and Kashmir had significantly declined since 2019, adding that it would have been “unthinkable” in the past for Mirwaiz Umar Farooq to be provided with a CRPF security cover.
Opposition Reacts Sharply
JKPC President and MLA Handwara Sajad Gani Lone launched a scathing attack on Omar Abdullah, terming his statement as “loose talk” that could put the Mirwaiz in greater danger. He accused Abdullah of playing politics over security matters and recalled that his own father, Abdul Gani Lone, was assassinated under the tenure of Omar Abdullah’s father, Farooq Abdullah, when he was the Chief Minister.
“My father was martyred while commemorating the martyrdom of Mirwaiz Mohammed Farooq. He was killed under the watch of your father, who despite clear CID inputs did not provide him security. And now you make statements that increase the threat perception of Mirwaiz. This is what we call ‘speak to kill’,” Lone posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Lone further accused Abdullah of being among the most heavily guarded politicians in India while making comments that could endanger others.
PDP leader and MLA from Pulwama, Waheed Para, also strongly reacted, stating that the security cover extended to Mirwaiz should not be seen in isolation. He argued that the calm in Kashmir was not due to a shift in ideology but the implementation of stringent measures like the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), Public Safety Act (PSA), the actions of the National Investigation Agency (NIA), and widespread arrests of political activists.
“If Kashmir seems calm today, it is because of the implementation of laws such as UAPA and PSA, the activities of the NIA, the seizure of residences and possessions, continuous profiling, lodging of inmates outside under harsher laws, and dismissal of workers under Article 311. This represents a complete U-turn from your election campaign and manifesto,” Para said.
He also criticized the Chief Minister for singling out Mirwaiz, saying, “The truth is that hundreds of graves, shrines, and mosques are protected by JKP and CRPF. So why make an issue of the Mirwaiz?”
NC Defends Abdullah
The National Conference (NC) refrained from making an official comment but a senior party leader dismissed the opposition’s allegations, claiming that Abdullah’s interview was being deliberately taken out of context to create unnecessary controversy.
“The opposition leaders are fishing in the desert,” the NC leader remarked, further pointing out that it was the PDP government that allowed the NIA to operate in the region.
Later, the NC released a statement reiterating that Abdullah had also spoken about the significance of Article 370 and its impact on the people of Jammu and Kashmir, sharing a video clip to counter the opposition’s claims.
Sajad Lone, in his criticism, also alleged that Abdullah’s body language during the interview indicated a tacit endorsement of the abrogation of Article 370.
“CM sahib with a stony face trying to facially unsay what he is saying. I am not surprised at the grudgingly tacit endorsement of the abrogation of Article 370. This is just the trailer for those who voted for him. The film is yet to start. Brace yourselves for much more,” he posted.
As the political bickering continues, the controversy highlights the deep divisions among the political parties over the region’s security and governance issues. (KDC)
