JD(U) Leader Shyam Rajak Criticises Farooq Abdullah Over Pakistan Remarks on Kashmir

Rajak said Abdullah appeared to have overlooked the legacy of his father, Sheikh Abdullah, who played a role in Jammu and Kashmir’s accession to India.

“Perhaps he does not remember the values taught by his father. Sheikh Abdullah Ji, at a time when Pakistan was trying to trouble Kashmir and spread terror, worked alongside Maharaja Hari Singh to facilitate Kashmir's accession to India,” Rajak said.

He maintained that Kashmir was an integral part of India and argued that attempts to view the region through what he described as malicious intentions would face strong opposition from the public.

“Pakistan has always had an evil eye on Kashmir. Kashmiris were never with Pakistan. That is why he should understand that Kashmir is an integral part of India,” Rajak said.

He added that Kashmir had long been regarded as the crown of India and claimed that Abdullah’s remarks had angered people.

Pappu Yadav Accuses BJP and RSS of Politicising Kashmir

Meanwhile, Purnia MP Pappu Yadav accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) of making issues related to Kashmir controversial.

Yadav said Kashmir was deeply connected to India’s cultural and national identity, adding that the people of the region were an integral part of the country.

“Kashmir is in our lives, our culture, our blood and our minds. Kashmiriyat is also in our minds and blood. The people of Kashmir are part of India's identity. They chose India over Pakistan,” he said.

He further argued that Kashmir’s relationship with India was rooted in its cultural heritage and the people’s respect for the Constitution and Indian traditions.

Farooq Abdullah’s Remarks Trigger Political Row

The controversy began after Abdullah addressed a National Conference workers’ convention in Baramulla, north Kashmir, on Saturday, where he commented on Pakistan’s repeated references to the Kashmir issue at international forums.

Referring to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Abdullah said Pakistan continued to raise the unresolved Kashmir issue internationally and suggested that Islamabad was protecting the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

“Our neighbour (Pakistan) is constantly after them. He (Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif) goes everywhere saying that the Kashmir issue has not been resolved. He is protecting us; otherwise, their (Centre's) intentions are not good,” Abdullah had said.

His comments drew sharp criticism from the BJP, which accused the National Conference leader of making statements contrary to national interests. BJP leaders also suggested that Abdullah should move to Pakistan if he held such views.

The remarks have triggered fresh political exchanges over Kashmir, with leaders from different parties offering contrasting views on Pakistan’s role, the region’s relationship with India and the Centre’s approach to Jammu and Kashmir.