“If Militancy Has Ended, Why Do Attacks Still Happen?” Farooq Abdullah Challenges Government Claim

Jammu, Feb 4: National Conference President and former Chief Minister Dr. Farooq Abdullah has questioned the Central Government’s repeated assertions that militancy has been eradicated in Jammu and Kashmir. Referring to the recent terrorist attack in Kulgam, where an ex-serviceman was martyred and two women, including his wife, were injured, Abdullah stated that such incidents contradict claims of a terrorism-free region.

“Ask those who claim that militancy has ended. If incidents like Kulgam continue to happen, where do their claims stand? Every day, they make statements in Parliament, outside Parliament, and even from mountaintops that terrorism has been wiped out. But reality tells a different story,” Abdullah remarked while speaking to the media on the sidelines of a function in Jammu.

Dr. Abdullah also addressed questions on the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections, where the BJP has expressed confidence in securing a victory. He dismissed these claims, urging everyone to wait for the outcome.

“They (BJP) also said they would come to power in Jammu and Kashmir, declaring that the Assembly would be hung one way or another. Where have their claims gone now? It is ultimately the people who decide, not Farooq Abdullah or Sakina Itoo,” he said.

When asked whether the INDIA bloc could suffer from internal divisions, such as Congress and AAP contesting separately in Delhi, Abdullah downplayed any negative impact, stating that he could not predict political outcomes.

“If I were God or an `Antaryami,’ I would tell you exactly what will happen. But I am just a simple man. I did not even know we would be here in J&K today,” he remarked.

Despite differences within the alliance, the NC chief expressed confidence in the INDIA bloc’s prospects, stating, “With God’s blessings, it will move forward despite opposition.” However, he denied taking a leadership role in uniting alliance partners, stating, “I am not that person. But we all understand that unity is necessary to achieve something meaningful for this country. Divided, we cannot accomplish anything.”

On the issue of restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, Abdullah reiterated his stance and remained hopeful that it would be reinstated.

“God willing, statehood will be restored. It may take some time, but it will definitely happen. If I were a clairvoyant, I would tell you exactly when. But I am not,” he said.

When asked about Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s concerns over Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), Farooq Abdullah turned the conversation toward press freedom in India, questioning whether journalists could openly critique the Central Government.

“You ask questions, but how many of our answers do you actually publish? Can you criticize the Central Government? No, you only criticize the Opposition. If you try, your newspaper will be destroyed, and you will end up in jail. That’s the reality,” he asserted.

On the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in states like Gujarat and Uttarakhand, Abdullah responded with indifference, saying, “Let them do it.”

He also expressed skepticism about medical advancements, particularly vaccines. Commenting on the possibility of a cancer vaccine similar to COVID-19 vaccines, he alleged that the latter was administered without proper trials.

“Today, we see the consequences. Many young people are dying of heart attacks and other health complications, and there are claims that the vaccine is responsible. We cannot say anything definitively until it is scientifically determined,” he added.

When asked if he would attend the Maha Kumbh, Abdullah responded philosophically, emphasizing that he finds God within rather than in religious rituals.

“I bathe at home. My God is at home. My God is not in water, nor in a mosque, temple, or gurdwara. My God is in my heart,” he declared.