Farooq Abdullah

Reports of Farooq Abdullah backing Article 370 'absolute nonsense': Dulat

Former RAW chief A S Dulat on Friday vehemently refuted claims suggesting that former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abdullah privately supported the abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution, dismissing those as "absolute nonsense". Speaking at the launch of his book titled 'The Chief Minister and the Spy' here, he addressed the controversy that erupted following media reports that Abdullah had "privately" suggested that he would have helped in the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 had he been taken into confidence. Dulat asserted that "there was not a single Kashmiri who spoke in favour of the abrogation." He cited former Finance Minister P Chidambaram's description of the move as a "monumental blunder," emphasising the widespread opposition within the region. Dulat, the former head of the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), the external intelligence agency of the country, detailed his meeting with Abdullah following his release from detention in February 2020. "I cou

Farooq Abdullah slams ex-R&AW chief Dulat over Article 370 claims in book

Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abdullah on Wednesday dismissed ex-R&AW chief A S Dulat's claims that he had "privately backed" the Article 370 abrogation as a "cheap stunt" to boost the sales of the top spy's forthcoming memoir. He suggested that Dulat's motive behind penning the book -- 'The Chief Minister and the Spy', slated for release on April 18 -- could be an attempt to reach the power corridors or earn a lot of money. "It is possible that he wants to make a new relationship," Abdullah told PTI. Reacting angrily to Dulat's assertion that the National Conference (NC) would have "helped" pass the proposal to abrogate the special status of the erstwhile state had it been taken into confidence, the 87-year-old president of the party said this was a "figment of imagination" of the author. Abdullah pointed out that both he and his son Omar Abdullah had been put under arrest for several months at the time of the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019. "We were

Farooq Abdullah urges PM Modi to act over 'slashing of India's Haj quota'

National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Monday sought the intervention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi after reports emerging from Saudi Arabia indicated India's Haj quota has been abruptly slashed. The former Union minister said every Muslim dreams to go on the Haj pilgrimage at least once in a lifetime. "I would like to request the prime minister to take up the matter as he is close to the country (Saudi Arabian leadership," Abdullah told PTI Videos at his residence here. He was responding to a question about some opposition leaders flagging the issue on Sunday even as there was no official word from the government on the matter so far. "He (the prime minister) should urge them (the Saudi Arabia leadership) that this issue is related to thousands of people... they save money so that they can go on this holy pilgrimage. It is a dream of every Muslim to go there," the former J-K chief minister said. Asked about the recently implemented Waqf (Amendment) Act, Abdullah said

Omar-led NC govt committed to empowering Sikhs in J-K: Farooq Abdullah

National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Sunday assured the Sikhs of Jammu and Kashmir that the Omar Abdullah-led government is committed to empowering the community with a specific focus on job opportunities and education. He made the remarks at Gurdwara Singh Sabha in Jammu's Nanak Nagar where he participated in a Gurmat Samagam' organised by the Sikh Youth Welfare Association to commemorate the Prakash Ustav' of Guru Gobind Singh -- the 10th guru of the Sikhs. "The Omar government is dedicated to empowering the Sikh community with a specific focus on enhancing employment opportunities for them and their education," the former chief minister said. Emphasising the role of Sikhs in the cultural tapestry of Jammu and Kashmir, he said the community has been neglected for far too long. "Since 2014, both the central and state governments have failed to address the needs of the Sikh community, leaving them marginalised, he said, adding Sikhs have a deep-rooted history in the ...

Statehood restoration to accelerate J-K development, says Farooq Abdullah

National Conference President Farooq Abdullah said that the restoration of the promised statehood to Jammu and Kashmir will give momentum to the ongoing developmental activities in the region and help the democratically elected government alleviate the suffering of the masses. During his interactions with the public and various delegations at his residence, the former chief minister said the Omar Abdullah-led government would ensure that the benefits of governance reach every doorstep. "The winds of change that have brought a democratic government to the region, with Omar sahib at the helm steering us towards safer shores, will work for every section of society, ensuring that the benefits of progress reach every doorstep," he said. He added that the signs of change are clear and development is on the rise, poised to accelerate once statehood is restored. "I am confident that the Centre will uphold its promise and grant full statehood, paving the way for rapid progress," Abdullah ..

Farooq Abdullah asks NC workers to prepare for panchayat elections

National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah on Monday called upon party workers to start preparing for the upcoming panchayat elections, emphasizing the need for unity to "rebuild" Jammu and Kashmir. The development comes after the Jammu and Kashmir Election Commission on Monday concluded annual revision of panchayat electoral rolls and said more than 70 lakh voters, including over 34 lakh women, are eligible to vote in the upcoming panchayat elections. Prepare for elections. Whenever elections are held, be ready from today, he said, addressing a gathering of party workers here. He urged NC workers to choose candidates who genuinely want to serve the people and emphasized the need for honesty and unity to "rebuild" Jammu and Kashmir. Together, we can overcome these challenges and bring our region back on the path of progress, he said. Recalling the 2024 assembly elections, Abdullah said, In previous elections, many believed it wouldn't happen, but they were eventually ...

Farooq Abdullah's convoy car crash: One member of security team injured

A Delhi Police head constable, part of the escort team of former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abdullah, was injured when the car convoy collided with a nilgai on Delhi-Mumbai expressway in Rajasthan's Dausa district, officials said on Saturday. The accident occurred near the expressway exit in Bhandarej around 1.45 pm on Friday when the National Conference leader was en route to Ajmer. Abdullah was in another vehicle, while the escort vehicle had four police personnel, including head constable Pappuram Meena, officials said. Meena was driving the Innova vehicle when it collided with the nilgai. "The injured head constable was taken to the district hospital where he was given primary treatment and discharged later," Sadar police station head constable Arvind Kumar said. He said that as soon as the accident occurred the other vehicles including the one carrying Abdullah stopped. The members of the escort team then left for Ajmer in another vehicle of the convoy. In Ajmer

INDIA bloc not just for polls: Farooq Abdullah after son's jibe at AAP-Cong

Abdullah said that his party seeks collaboration with the central government to resolve Jammu and Kashmir's challenges rather than engaging in confrontations

Govt should probe how people died: Farooq Abdullah on Tirupati stampede

Govt must take steps to oversee arrangements at such places thronged by a large number of people and to ensure such incidents do not happen again, he added

Dynasty politics not lifelong ticket to success: Omar's advice to sons

Pooh-poohing the BJP's criticism of dynasty politics, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has said that political lineage is not a lifelong ticket to success and questioned why the ruling party doesn't raise the issue with its allied parties which can also be accused of perpetuating dynasties. Abdullah was responding to a question during an exclusive interview on Friday with PTI whether his family's fourth generation will go into politics, and if that would expose him to fresh criticism of perpetuating dynastic politics the way the Congress party and other opposition parties have been. Abdullah's two lawyer sons have recently made forceful political commentaries, especially on the issue of the abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution that took away Kashmir's special status, an emotive issue among Kashmiris. They also campaigned extensively with their father during the September Assembly elections. "Whatever space they choose to carve out, they will have to make for .

Providing water, power to Rohingyas our duty till they are in J&K: Farooq

National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Tuesday said it is responsibility of the Jammu and Kashmir government to provide basic amenities like water and electricity to Rohingya refugees residing in the region. The Government of India brought the refugees here. We did not bring them. They have settled them here, and as long as they are here, it is our duty to provide them with water and electricity. This is our responsibility", Abdullah told reporters during a visit to Kathua. His remarks come a day after the BJP termed the settlement of Rohingyas and Bangladeshis in Jammu city a major "political conspiracy" and demanded a CBI probe to identify those involved in facilitating it. Hitting out at the National Conference (NC) government over remarks on granting water and power connections to them in Jammu, the BJP had also alleged it was done to protect them as they belong to a particular community. According to government data, more than 13,700 foreigners, most of them Rohingy

Farooq Abdullah slams Jammu Smart City project, asks to revive Darbar Move

National Conference supremo Farooq Abdullah on Monday expressed dismay over the state of the Jammu Smart City project and criticised the lack of visible development and basic infrastructure. He also called for a revival of communal harmony in Jammu and Kashmir through restoration of the Darbar Move. "I feel ashamed when I see your so-called smart city. I do not consider this a smart city. I don't see any functioning lights anywhere. What kind of smart city is this?" he told reporters. Abdullah, who visited the city's Raghunath bazaar late at night, took a dig at the those executing the Jammu Smart City project. "Simply calling it a smart city does not make it one. It needs to be developed as such to truly be called a smart city." He also lamented that the people of the region had been silently enduring these shortcomings. "The people here do not protest; they simply endure everything," the former chief minister of the erstwhile state said. Extending new year greetings, Abdullah .

Those dreaming of J&K's independence unaware of ground realities: Farooq

Asserting that Jammu and Kashmir will remain an integral part of India, National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Saturday said those nurturing illogical dreams of independence should shun it as they are unaware of the ground realities. The veteran politician said the fact that the Indian cricket team is not likely to visit Pakistan for the Champions Trophy early next year shows the strained relations between the two countries. Talking to reporters on the sidelines of a private function here, Abdullah also expressed grief over the death of children in a fire at a medical college in Uttar Pradesh's Jhansi district and demanded a thorough investigation into the tragic incident. Asked about the Oxford University's debating society Oxford Union hosting an event titled "This house believes in the independent state of Kashmir" on Thursday, the former chief minister said there are people who want to do such things across the world. "It is not easy to be independent. On one side, th

BJP using Article 370 to weaken Cong, win Assembly polls: Farooq Abdullah

The BJP's onslaught on the Congress over Article 370 of the Constitution is aimed at weakening the opposition party and winning the elections in Maharashtra and Jharkhand, National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah said on Saturday. However, the veteran leader said they will not allow the Congress to be weakened and expressed hope that the INDIA bloc will emerge victorious in the Assembly polls in both the states. Talking to reporters after attending a private function here, Abdullah said he has no doubt about the return of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. Asked about the statements of Congress leaders that there is no mention of restoration of Article 370 in a recently-passed resolution in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, Abdullah said they have their own purpose because their party is under attack from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah "shouting repeatedly at them just to win the elections". "They (BJP) are think

Centre must restore J-K's statehood to resolve issues: Farooq Abdullah

National Conference President Farooq Abdullah on Friday reiterated his call for the immediate restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, calling it a crucial step to resolve the myriad of issues facing the region. After paying obeisance at the Gurudwara Sahib in Chand Nagar on the occasion of Guru Nanak Dev's 555th birth anniversary, Abdullah hoped for greater political representation of the Sikh community, asserting that one day, Sikhs will not only have roles in the government, but also in the Assembly to effectively raise and address their issues. The veteran NC leader was accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary and Cabinet minister Javaid Rana, "The Central government should restore statehood to J-K at the earliest as it will help resolve most of our problems," Abdullah said. Urging the Sikh community to draw inspiration from Guru Nanak Dev, he said, "On this sacred day, demand with strength that our conditions improve and we become free from bureaucra

Farooq Abdullah seeks inquiry into terror attacks since Omar's swearing-in

The ruling National Conference (NC) on Saturday sought an inquiry into the spike in terrorist attacks in the Valley since Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was sworn in, saying some elements were trying to defame an elected government. "Violence is taking place. There should be an investigation into it. Those involved should be arrested alive. We will get to know who is doing it because there are attempts to defame us," NC president Farooq Abdullah said at a function here. Abdullah said the peaceful assembly election was a big achievement for the people of Kashmir, and it united the entire community. "We need to remain united, keeping our egos aside. Enemies are trying to attack us from all sides but we have to fight them," he added. His statement comes after four security personnel were injured in an encounter in the Khanyar area here on Saturday. Following the attack, security forces launched a cordon and search operation in the densely populated locality of Khanyar in the interior c

Abdullah knows terror comes from Pak, what's there to investigate, asks BJP

Earlier today, the National Conference President Farooq Abdullah demanded inquiry amid continuous terror incidents in Jammu and Kashmir

NC Chief Farooq Abdullah demands investigation in Budgam terror attack

On Friday, terrorists fired upon two non-locals in Mazhama, in the Magam area of Budgam district

Farooq Abdullah urges Pakistan to stop violence, form friendship with India

National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Friday said attacks like the one in Gulmarg would continue to occur until India and Pakistan found a way to be friends and that would end Jammu and Kashmir's troubles. Two soldiers and two Army porters were killed on Thursday after terrorists ambushed a force vehicle near Gulmarg in north Kashmir's Baramulla district. Another soldier and a porter were injured in the attack. "Such attacks will continue to take place in this state. You know where they come from and it will not stop until some way is found to get out of this trouble. I have been witnessing it for the last 30 years, innocent people are getting killed," Abdullah told reporters. "We are not going to become a part of Pakistan. So, why are they doing this? To disrupt our future? To make us poorer?" he asked. The former chief minister of the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir state said rather than fomenting trouble in the Union Territory, Pakistan should look towards its own plight

No talks should be held with Pak till it stops terror attacks: Farooq

Former chief minister and National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Monday lashed out at Pakistan for perpetrating terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, saying Islamabad will have to stop terror incidents here if it wants to have friendly relations with India. Abdullah said there can be no talks between New Delhi and Islamabad till the neighbouring country stops killings in Jammu and Kashmir. "I do not know what action India should take, that is the domain of the central government. It is a problem for us and we have been going through it for years now. I have been seeing it for 30 years now. I have told them many times to stop it but their thinking is like that only. "How can there be talks? You kill our innocent people and then you call for talks. First stop the killings," Abdullah said while commenting on the terror attack at a construction site in Ganderbal district on Sunday. The former chief minister said the attack was a painful incident as it led to killing of poor ..