Srinagar, Feb 25: A heated exchange ensued between the ruling National Conference (NC) and opposition parties in Jammu and Kashmir after Chief Minister Omar Abdullah suggested that the increased security for separatist leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq was linked to a noticeable decrease in separatist activities in the Union Territory.
Opposition figures from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and People’s Conference criticized Abdullah, claiming he had reversed his previous election promises, while NC officials defended him, accusing the opposition of “fishing in the desert.”
During a segment on the ‘News18 India’ television channel, Abdullah remarked on the reduction of separatist actions since 2019, stating that it would have been unimaginable in the past for the Mirwaiz to be granted protection by the CRPF.
PDP MLA Waheed Para from Pulwama expressed his concerns on X, arguing that while police and CRPF forces look after mosques, shrines, and cemeteries in Kashmir, singling out the Mirwaiz increases his danger.
“The current tranquility in Kashmir is a direct result of laws like UAPA and PSA, the NIA’s operations, property seizures, ongoing profiling, the detention of individuals under stricter conditions, and the dismissal of workers under Article 311,” Para stated.
“This represents a total reversal of the promises made during your election campaign and manifesto. Your current stance is nothing more than an endorsement of an iron-fist strategy against Kashmiris,” he added.
Although NC refrained from an official response to the opposition’s claims, a senior leader contended that portions of Abdullah’s interview were misconstrued to stir unnecessary controversy.
“Opposition leaders are merely fishing in the desert,” the NC leader commented.
The NC representative also questioned the PDP’s previous decisions that allowed the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to operate freely in the region during its governance.
Later, the NC issued a tweet affirming that Abdullah had addressed Article 370 and its significance for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, sharing a video snippet to challenge the opposition’s claims.
Para maintained that the current absence of separatist activity was due to stringent actions against separatist groups and the bans imposed on the Hurriyat Conference and Jamaat-e-Islami.
He pointed out that the increased security for the Mirwaiz is indicative not only of the need for protection but also of his heightened vulnerability, stating, “Targeting the Mirwaiz specifically amplifies his risk, considering his family has already suffered immensely. The reality is that numerous graves, shrines, and mosques are secured by JKP and CRPF. So why make a spectacle of the Mirwaiz?” People’s Conference president Sajad Lone remarked that Abdullah’s demeanor contradicted his statements, saying, “CM sahib appeared stoic, attempting to verbally retract what he was stating. I’m not surprised by the begrudging endorsement of Article 370’s abrogation.
“This is just the beginning for those who supported him. What lies ahead will be more revealing. Prepare for more,” Lone, whose party aligns with the BJP, expressed on X. (AGENCIES)
