Farooq Abdullah’s Kashmir comments trigger fresh criticism

Farooq Abdullah faced criticism from Muslim clerics over remarks about Pakistan and Kashmir that triggered a political row. All India Imam Association president Maulana Sajid Rashidi alleged the comments amounted to treason, while other clerics sought an explanation and apology

New Delhi: Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah faced criticism from Muslim clerics on Sunday over his controversial remarks on Kashmir, drawing further criticism from the BJP.

The veteran National Conference (NC) leader triggered a political row on Saturday with remarks at a rally in Baramulla district of the Kashmir Valley that were interpreted as favouring Pakistan. Abdullah questioned the Centre’s silence on Kashmir and reportedly claimed that the neighbouring country was helping protect the region.

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All India Imam Association (AIIA) president Maulana Sajid Rashidi condemned Abdullah’s remarks, describing them as deplorable and alleging that they amounted to treason.

“I state clearly that this statement by Farooq Abdullah falls under treason. This man is a traitor, a treasonous person. Because he has spoken about Pakistan, a Pakistan that, from the beginning until now, has continuously carried out terrorist attacks in India,” Rashidi told IANS.

Rashidi also criticised Pakistan, recalling the Pahalgam attack in which more than two dozen people were killed, and referring to previous attacks.

“Before that, there was Pulwama; before that, count how many attacks were carried out against us, including the Kargil War. Under the guise of Jihad, Pakistan has always engaged in terrorism against India,” he said.

Abdullah, who heads the ruling NC, had reportedly said that the Centre’s intentions towards Kashmiris were not right and credited Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts with helping their voices reach a global audience.

Reacting to the remarks, Maulana Khalid Rashid Firangi Mahali and Maulana Saif Abbas also expressed strong displeasure.

Both clerics said it was inappropriate for the NC leader to rely on another country for Jammu and Kashmir’s security.

Maulana Khalid Rashid Firangi Mahali demanded a detailed explanation and an apology from Abdullah, describing his comments as unacceptable, objectionable and condemnable.

Earlier, Abdullah’s remarks had triggered a political row, with several BJP leaders demanding an apology from him.