JAMMU, OCT 25: Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) chairman Ghulam Nabi Azad has strongly disagreed with National Conference president Farooq Abdullah’s reported remarks on Pakistan, asserting that Pakistan, rather than India, is an enemy of the country and the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
While expressing respect for Abdullah, Azad described his statement as completely incorrect and pointed to the situation in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), where people have been protesting for their rights.
“I respect Farooq Sahab, but his statement is completely incorrect. If anyone is an enemy of India and the people of J&K, it is Pakistan,” Azad said.
Referring to the protests in PoK, Azad argued that the situation there should be considered while assessing Pakistan’s role and its claims concerning the people of Jammu and Kashmir. His remarks came amid a political debate over statements regarding Pakistan and the Kashmir issue.
Azad also defended the contribution of successive Indian governments to Jammu and Kashmir’s development, saying administrations led by different political parties had worked for the region since Independence.
He maintained that successive Central governments, from the tenure of Jawaharlal Nehru to the present government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, had contributed to Jammu and Kashmir’s development, irrespective of their political affiliations.
The remarks underline the continuing political differences among J&K leaders over Pakistan’s role, the region’s development and the broader Kashmir issue. Azad’s response placed emphasis on the protests in PoK and the developmental contribution of successive Indian governments, while directly challenging Abdullah’s reported position.
