Srinagar, Feb 25: A heated exchange has erupted between the ruling National Conference (NC) and opposition parties in Jammu and Kashmir following Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s remarks linking increased security for separatist leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq to a decline in separatist activities in the Union Territory.
Opposition leaders from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and People’s Conference accused Abdullah of backtracking on promises made during last year’s elections. Meanwhile, the NC defended its leader, with senior party officials dismissing the opposition’s criticism as baseless.
During a discussion on ‘News18 India,’ Abdullah stated that separatist activity in J&K has declined since 2019, emphasizing that providing CRPF security to the Mirwaiz would have been unthinkable in the past.
Reacting sharply, PDP MLA Waheed Para took to X, questioning the selective focus on Mirwaiz’s security while security forces continue to guard mosques, shrines, and graveyards across Kashmir. Para also criticized the government’s policies, attributing the reduced separatist activity to strict laws like the UAPA and PSA, the role of the NIA, and asset seizures.
“This is a complete U-turn from your election campaign and manifesto. Your endorsement now is merely a ratification of the iron-fist approach against Kashmiris,” Para wrote.
Although the NC refrained from issuing an official statement, a senior party leader accused the opposition of twisting Abdullah’s remarks for political mileage. “The opposition leaders have started fishing in the desert,” the leader said, also questioning the PDP’s past decisions that allowed the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to operate in the region.
The NC later posted a video clip on social media, reiterating Abdullah’s stance on Article 370 and countering the opposition’s claims.
Meanwhile, People’s Conference president Sajad Lone took a dig at Abdullah, claiming his “stony face” revealed a lack of conviction in his own words.
“I am not surprised at the grudgingly tacit endorsement of the abrogation of Article 370. This is just the trailer for those who voted for him. The film is yet to start. Brace yourselves for much more,” Lone wrote on X.