Farooq Abdullah Slams Central Government on J&K’s Statehood and Security

Dr. Farooq Abdullah, the National Conference president, has openly criticized the central government regarding the statehood of Jammu and Kashmir, as the sixth anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370 approaches. Abdullah directed his criticism towards the BJP, asking what tangible improvements had been made in Jammu and Kashmir over the past six years. He pressed for the restoration of statehood, expressing his belief that the central government would eventually be compelled to reverse its decision. He further critiqued the current administrative arrangement, which he sees as needing reform, advocating for a more democratic approach. Abdullah also addressed the ongoing security concerns, referencing the Kulgam encounters and questioning how these events align with previous claims of eliminating militancy. He stated he has never claimed militancy is over. Previously, Mehbooba Mufti of the PDP also raised concerns regarding the unfulfilled promises of improvement following the revocation of Article 370 in 2019.