National Conference President Farooq Abdullah on Wednesday alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is attempting to divide the Muslim community in Kashmir, with Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) Chief and Member of Parliament Engineer Rashid siding with them.
“He (Engineer Rashid) will also speak about the ‘Phool’ (BJP’s lotus symbol), as they are the ones who have released him,” Farooq Abdullah told reporters in Anantnag.
“BJP wants to split the Muslims of Kashmir, and Engineer Rashid is siding with them,” the former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister added.
When asked if he opposed the release of the AIP Chief, the NC President clarified, “All those without serious charges should be released and brought back home.”
On BJP’s claim that his release is a setback to National Conference, Farooq said, “I want to remind them of the Indian Airlines Flight 814 incident. The terrorism we face today is driven by those who were released back then. I had warned them not to do it, but they didn’t listen, and today we suffer the consequences.”
The NC President alleged, “BJP and RSS aim to weaken India. They are doing all of this for power, not for the unity of the country.”
When questioned about whether he believed Jamaat candidates in the elections are backed by BJP, Farooq said, “Time will tell. BJP’s plan is to divide the people. But, if the Almighty willing, the people will teach them a lesson, and the National Conference will form the next government in Jammu and Kashmir.”
He emphasized, “We aim to restore the identity of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and safeguard the dignity, honour, and language of all sections of society, including Dogri, Kashmiri, Pahari, Gujjari, and Sheenu.”
When asked about his commitment to restoring Articles 370 and 35A in Jammu and Kashmir, the former CM remarked, “It took them 75 years to abrogate Article 370. … whether Farooq Abdullah is alive or not, the people of Jammu and Kashmir will bring back Article 370.”
He urged voters to come out on election day and cast their ballots for Congress and National Conference alliance candidates in large numbers.
