National Conference Chief Farooq Abdullah Creates Stir with ‘Go to Hell’ Remark on Jammu and Kashmir’s Fate

12-12-2023 : Amidst the uproar surrounding his controversial statement, Farooq Abdullah, the National Conference chief and former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, sought to clarify his position. Addressing the aftermath of his remark, where he suggested letting Jammu and Kashmir “go to hell,” Abdullah emphasized that his party has no intentions of aligning with any other country. Instead, he called on the central government to display respect for Kashmiris and actively work towards garnering their support.

Expressing his frustration over the Supreme Court’s decision on the abrogation of Article 370, Abdullah questioned the government’s actions for the betterment of the region. He criticized the lack of elections and the transformation of Jammu and Kashmir into a Union Territory, asserting that these actions have contributed to the perceived deterioration. Abdullah challenged the government’s claim of eliminating terrorism and contended that hearts in the region are not being won.

Recalling a past meeting with Prime Minister Modi, Abdullah highlighted the need for trust-building between the Centre and the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Despite acknowledging mutual mistrust, he urged the government to respect the sentiments of the people and strive to bridge the emotional distance. Abdullah clarified that his use of strong words stemmed from the desire for the central government to acknowledge and address the concerns of the Kashmiri population.

Concluding his clarification, Abdullah asserted that if the Centre aims to transform the current state of affairs into a “heaven,” it must first understand the people it seeks to serve. In conversations with reporters, he reiterated the sentiment, asserting that Jammu and Kashmir should “go to hell” due to the perceived betrayal by the government, which he believes is alienating the populace.

Earlier in the day, in defense of Jawaharlal Nehru, Abdullah countered the BJP’s blame on the former prime minister for the decades of violence and instability in Jammu and Kashmir. He asserted that Nehru was not responsible for providing special status to the region under Article 370. Abdullah pointed out that during the introduction of the special provision, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Syama Prasad Mukherjee played pivotal roles, with Nehru being in the United States at the time.

The recent landmark ruling by the Supreme Court upheld the revocation of Article 370 and set a deadline for the restoration of statehood and elections in Jammu and Kashmir by September next year. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, during a discussion in the Rajya Sabha, targeted Jawaharlal Nehru, holding him responsible for Pakistan’s illegal occupation of parts of Kashmir.