As the sixth anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370 approaches, National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah on Monday criticized the BJP-led Central government, questioning its delay in restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir and conducting long-pending elections.
Abdullah demanded clarity on the Centre’s earlier assurance that statehood would be restored once elections were held.
“They said the minute elections are held and a government is formed, statehood will be restored. What happened to that promise? They now talk about holding elections for two vacant Assembly seats but what about the four Rajya Sabha seats? Why are the people being denied a voice in Parliament?” he told ANI.
Reacting to reports that the BJP is planning celebrations to mark the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, Abdullah said there was little to celebrate given the region’s economic and social challenges.
“Our educated youth are still unemployed. Prices are sky-high. The poor are struggling while the rich are getting richer. What exactly have they achieved in these six years?” he asked.
He also took aim at J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, calling him a “viceroy” and criticized the lack of an elected government, saying, “The viceroy sitting in Raj Bhawan is running the show. This has to change. We are a democratic country.”
Commenting on ongoing conflicts and the recent Kulgam encounter, Abdullah challenged the Centre’s earlier claims that militancy had been wiped out.
“They said they uprooted all terrorist camps. Then how is the Kulgam encounter happening? I never said militancy is over. Those who claimed Article 370 was the root of militancy were in charge for years—what have they changed?”
Abdullah also called for dialogue over conflict, particularly with neighboring nations like Pakistan and China.
“We are living in a fool’s paradise if we think peace will come overnight. War is not a solution. In the end, discussions must happen. How does it hurt to talk?”
As tensions remain and elections are yet to be held, Abdullah’s remarks underscore growing frustration in the region over the lack of democratic processes and unfulfilled promises since the revocation of Article 370 in 2019.
