SRINAGAR (Kashmir English): In Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), National Conference (NC) President Farooq Abdullah has said that Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to highlight the Kashmir dispute at international forums have helped ensure that the plight of the Kashmiri people continues to be heard globally.
He warned that India’s intentions towards them remain questionable.
According to Kashmir Media Service, speaking at a party workers convention in Baramulla, Farooq Abdullah praised Pakistan for consistently raising the Kashmir issue at international forums, saying its efforts had helped protect the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
“Pakistan is going to many places and talking about Kashmiris. That is why the people of Jammu and Kashmir are being saved. Otherwise, India’s intentions towards Kashmiris are not right,” he said.
Referring to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s repeated statements on Kashmir, Farooq Abdullah questioned New Delhi’s intentions towards the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
He said there is little hope for Kashmiris from the Indian government, urging people to demonstrate courage and remain united to confront New Delhi, warning that failure to do so could threaten their identity.
“If you don’t keep it, you will be erased. Even our trace and identity will disappear. Nothing will be left,” he said, adding that New Delhi remained silent because the Kashmir issue continued to draw international attention.
Kashmir issue
“Our neighbour is constantly after them. He goes everywhere saying that the Kashmir issue has not been resolved. He is protecting us; otherwise, their (New Delhi’s) intentions are not good,” Farooq Abdullah said.
Farooq Abdullah and his party have repeatedly called for the restoration of Articles 370 and 35A, which were revoked by the BJP-led Indian government in August 2019, as well as the restoration of statehood to IIOJK.
The NC has maintained that it will continue to pursue these demands through democratic means.
