BJP Demands Farooq Abdullah’s Apology Over Remarks on Pakistan’s Role in Kashmir

October 24, 2026

Srinagar: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday criticised National Conference president Farooq Abdullah over his remarks on Pakistan’s role in the Kashmir issue and demanded an apology to the people of the country.

Abdullah made the comments while addressing party workers in Baramulla, Jammu and Kashmir. He questioned whether people in the region could expect justice from New Delhi and said Pakistan’s continued efforts to raise the Kashmir issue internationally were putting pressure on India.

Referring to Pakistan as India’s neighbouring country, Abdullah said its efforts to keep the Kashmir dispute in the international spotlight were helping Kashmiris. However, he also expressed doubts about Pakistan’s intentions.

“They are silent today because of pressure from the world. Our neighbour is constantly pursuing them, going everywhere and saying that the Kashmir issue has not been resolved. He is protecting us; otherwise, their intentions are not good,” Abdullah said.

He also urged people to show courage and warned that their identity could be at risk if they failed to stand up for their rights.

“Do you expect them to deliver justice for you? Have the courage to fight, or you will be wiped out, and your identity will disappear,” he said.

BJP Questions Abdullah’s Remarks

Jammu and Kashmir BJP president Sat Sharma hit back at Abdullah, saying he was free to express his views in India. Sharma questioned whether the National Conference leader would enjoy the same freedom in Pakistan.

“Farooq Abdullah, you are permitted to say whatever you wish in this country—that is precisely why you are able to speak so freely. Had you said these same things in Pakistan, you wouldn’t have been left with anything at all,” Sharma said.

He accused the National Conference of failing to act in the country’s interest and criticised the party over its position on Article 370, which granted special status to the former state of Jammu and Kashmir before its abrogation in August 2019.

BJP Defends Center’s Policies in Jammu and Kashmir

Sharma also alleged that Article 370 had denied rights to several communities in Jammu and Kashmir, including women, refugees from West Pakistan, the Valmiki community and the Gorkha community.

He argued that the region had suffered because of the provisions that were in place before the special status was revoked.

The BJP said the security and stability of Jammu and Kashmir were the result of efforts by the people and the central government. Its demand for an apology followed Abdullah’s comments on Pakistan’s role in keeping the Kashmir dispute alive internationally.

Abdullah’s remarks have renewed the political exchange between the National Conference and the BJP over Kashmir, Pakistan and the Centre’s policies in the region.