Former RAW Chief Amarjit Singh Dulat Refutes Claims That Farooq Abdullah Supported Article 370 Abrogation, Calls It a Misrepresentation
NEW DELHI, April 17 – Amid growing controversy surrounding his recently released book “The Chief Minister and the Spy”, former Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) chief Amarjit Singh Dulat has categorically denied claims that he stated former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Dr. Farooq Abdullah supported the abrogation of Article 370. Addressing the issue in a media interaction on Thursday, Dulat emphasized that not only did Farooq Abdullah never support the move, but he was deeply hurt by the sudden and unilateral nature of the Centre’s decision.
Responding to the media furor, Dulat, a seasoned intelligence officer with extensive experience in Kashmir from his time in the Intelligence Bureau and RAW, clarified, “I have never written in the book that Farooq Abdullah supported the abrogation of Article 370. These allegations are baseless and are nothing more than a media-fueled stunt. In fact, Farooq Sahab was completely shattered when Article 370 was abrogated.”
Highlighting the emotional toll the move took on the National Conference leader, Dulat added, “Dr. Sahab was never taken into confidence before the decision. He was heartbroken over what was done to them without any prior dialogue or consultation. He always stood by Delhi, but unfortunately, Delhi has failed to understand his unwavering commitment.”
Addressing speculation about the impact of this controversy on his long-standing personal rapport with Dr. Abdullah, Dulat dismissed any notion of a fallout, saying, “Friendships don’t end because of sensationalised misinterpretations. This book is, in fact, an appreciation of Farooq Abdullah, not a critique of his politics.”
Speaking about the upcoming launch of his book, Dulat said he was hopeful Dr. Abdullah would attend. “I spoke to him about 10 to 15 days ago, and he had agreed to come. If he doesn’t attend, it will be his personal choice, and I will respect that,” he said.
Dulat also shed light on events leading up to the abrogation. “Two days before the constitutional changes were made, Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah, and one of their MPs had met with the Prime Minister. I wasn’t told what transpired in that meeting. Later, Farooq Sahab shared with me that if the government intended to go through with this move, it should have involved them. Instead, they were put under house arrest — that is not how a democracy should function,” he added.
He reiterated that the book does not contain any assertion that Dr. Abdullah endorsed the abrogation. “This narrative is being constructed outside the pages of my book. The reality is, no one in Kashmir supported the abrogation. The issue wasn’t just the decision itself, but the way it was imposed — without dialogue, discussion, or transparency,” he stated.
Responding to accusations that the controversy was engineered to sell books, Dulat remained unfazed. “If people believe I’ve created a media stir to boost sales, that’s fine. I have no objection to that criticism. But I know what I’ve written, and I stand by it,” he said.
The former intelligence chief was full of praise for Dr. Abdullah, whom he called “the tallest leader in Kashmir” and “a true nationalist.” Dulat stated, “There is no leader in Kashmir who matches Farooq Sahab’s stature. He has always believed in India and has led his people through some of the most turbulent times. The National Conference-led government was a positive milestone for Kashmir and continues to be the region’s best hope for political stability and progress.”
He concluded by asserting that while other parties do have roles to play, it is the Abdullah family — with its legacy and deep connection to the people — that can lead Jammu and Kashmir toward a stable and inclusive future.
