Farooq Abdullah’s Pakistan remarks trigger protests in Jammu, BJP demands apology
Hindu outfits and BJP leaders condemn the National Conference chief’s claim that Pakistan is protecting Kashmiris, with some demanding his arrest and legal action
National Conference supremo Farooq Abdullah’s remarks on Pakistan triggered protests against him in Jammu on Monday (October 26), with a BJP MP asking him to "apologise to the people of India or consider moving to the neighbouring country".
Abdullah had said in Baramulla that Pakistan was protecting Kashmiris, drawing strong reactions from BJP leaders and several organisations, some of which demanded his arrest.
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Rashtriya Bajrang Dal, Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM), Dogra Front and the National Anti-Terrorism Front (NATF) took out marches and held demonstrations against Abdullah. They raised slogans and burnt his effigies.
BJP leaders target Abdullah
BJP Rajya Sabha MP Sat Sharma demanded that Abdullah apologise to the nation. "The Bharatiya Janata Party believes that he should apologise to the entire nation. Farooq Sahib should apologise to the 140 crore people of the country,” Sharma said, adding that Abdullah should consider living in Pakistan if he did not apologise.
BJP MLA Vikram Randhawa termed the remarks anti-national and said they could not be taken lightly. He accused Abdullah of speaking in favour of a country that, he alleged, had promoted terrorism and unrest in Jammu and Kashmir.
Jammu and Kashmir's former BJP president Ravinder Raina also condemned the remarks, questioning how Pakistan, which India has repeatedly accused of supporting cross-border terrorism, could be described as a well-wisher of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He also demanded an apology from Abdullah.
BJP leader Shakti Raj Parihar also condemned the remarks and demanded the registration of an FIR on sedition charges and Abdullah’s arrest.
Leaders call for accountability
The National Anti-Terrorism Front (NATF), led by its national chairman Vishal Chopra, also staged a protest and demanded an apology from Abdullah.
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Chopra criticised the remarks, saying a leader who had served as chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir should be mindful of the responsibility attached to his public position.
Vivek Bali, Jammu and Kashmir president of the Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party (SBSP), demanded an investigation into the remarks and appropriate legal action if they were found to violate the law.
Bali said public representatives must exercise responsibility while commenting on matters concerning national security, sovereignty and the country's integrity. He added that freedom of expression must be exercised within the framework of constitutional responsibilities.
(With agency inputs)