Srinagar, 16-09-2024: National Conference (NC) President and former Member of Parliament, Dr. Farooq Abdullah, today labeled Engineer Abdul Rashid Sheikh, popularly known as Engineer Rashid, as a “creation” of the BJP. He accused the Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) and Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) alliance of being a deliberate strategy to “divide” and “loot” the people of Kashmir. Speaking at a rally in Safapora, Bandipora, Abdullah questioned the timing of Engineer Rashid’s release from custody, suggesting that it was orchestrated to damage the NC’s prospects ahead of the elections.
“He’s the BJP’s creation. Why else would they release him for only 20 days? This is all part of a scheme to harm us. The JeI and AIP alliance is designed to divide the people and exploit our women. This is about looting, nothing else,” Abdullah said, accusing the alliance of undermining Kashmiri unity.
Turning to Article 370, Abdullah reiterated his strong commitment to its restoration, vowing to continue fighting in the Supreme Court until Jammu and Kashmir’s special status is reinstated. He pointed out that previous court rulings had affirmed that Article 370 was “permanent in nature,” and he vowed to persist with legal action. “We will fight through legal means, not with guns or stones,” he added.
Abdullah traced the origins of Article 370 and 35-A to laws enacted by Maharaja Hari Singh in 1927, designed to protect jobs and land for the people of Jammu and Kashmir from outsiders. These protections, he explained, eventually became the foundation of the special status under Article 370. “Maharaja Hari Singh was concerned about preserving these rights, and these safeguards evolved into what we now know as Article 370 and 35-A.”
He also warned that many forces were actively conspiring against the National Conference, using divisive tactics and external political influences. Abdullah accused these elements of working against the “plough” symbol of the NC, stating, “Their only aim is to destroy us.”
In his remarks, Abdullah broadened his critique to national politics, claiming that Muslims across the country were being subjected to increasing discrimination and injustices. He criticized Prime Minister Modi for fostering divisions rather than promoting harmony. “The Prime Minister accused Muslims of taking over properties, but Muslims are not beggars. Our Prophet taught us equality and love for all,” Abdullah said.
Recalling the time when Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad, as leader of the opposition, highlighted J&K and Ladakh’s development progress compared to Gujarat, Abdullah said that was the moment the BJP decided to “eradicate” J&K’s unique status.
He also spoke about his meeting with Prime Minister Modi, alongside Omar Abdullah and Hasnain Masoodi, shortly before the abrogation of Article 370. Abdullah recalled, “I asked why security forces were being deployed to J&K, and he said it was routine. Then, on August 5, we lost everything—Article 370, 35-A, and our statehood.”
Abdullah concluded by alleging that the BJP’s motive behind the revocation of Article 370 was rooted in its dislike for J&K being a Muslim-majority state. He warned voters that the election was not just about roads or infrastructure but about the identity and future of the region. “They want to sell out our mothers and sisters. This election is about protecting who we are,” Abdullah said, urging people to see beyond economic promises and focus on their cultural and political identity.