National Conference supremo Farooq Abdullah's remark regarding Pakistan has sparked protests against him here on Monday, with a BJP MP asking him to either apologise to the people of India or consider living in the neighbouring country.
The protests followed Abdullah’s remarks in Baramulla, in which he said Pakistan is protecting Kashmiris, triggering strong reactions and even demands for his arrest from BJP leaders and several organisations.
"If you don't keep it, you will be erased. Even our trace and identity will disappear. Nothing will be left. They are silent today because there is noise in the world, and our neighbour is constantly behind this. Everywhere they say, 'the decision regarding Kashmir has not been made'. That is what is saving us. Otherwise, their intentions are not good," Abdullah has said.
Rashtriya Bajrang Dal, Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM), Dogra Front and the National Anti-Terrorism Front (NATF) took out marches and held demonstrations against Abdullah.
They raised slogans and burnt his effigies.
BJP Rajya Sabha MP Sat Sharma demanded that Abdullah apologise to the nation.
"The Bharatiya Janata Party believes that he should apologise to the entire nation. Farooq Sahib should apologise to the 140 crore people of the country,” Sharma said, adding that Abdullah should consider living in Pakistan if he did not apologise.
BJP MLA Vikram Randhawa termed the remarks anti-national and said they could not be taken lightly. He accused Abdullah of speaking in favour of a country that, he alleged, had promoted terrorism and unrest in Jammu and Kashmir.
Jammu and Kashmir's former BJP president Ravinder Raina also condemned the remarks, questioning how Pakistan, which India has repeatedly accused of supporting cross-border terrorism, could be described as a well-wisher of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
He also demanded an apology from Abdullah.
BJP leader Shakti Raj Parihar also condemned the remarks and demanded the registration of an FIR on sedition charges and Abdullah’s arrest.
Congress leader Ravinder Sharma said Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and would remain so.
He said Pakistan has no right to raise the Kashmir issue, referring to the Shimla Agreement and its provision for resolving bilateral issues through direct engagement.
However, Sharma also referred to Abdullah’s remarks concerning the alleged denial of justice to minorities and other issues in the region.
He said the Congress is seeking the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, citing assurances made by the government and discussions in Parliament.
Panun Kashmir and the Jammu State People’s Movement have lodged an FIR against the National Conference president.
The criminal complaint was lodged at Channi Police Station through Panun Kashmir chairman Tito Ganju and JSPM chairman Col Ajay Raina.
“Whom is Pakistan protecting, and from what?” Ganju asked, referring to Abdullah's reported remarks.
The National Anti-Terrorism Front (NATF), led by its national chairman Vishal Chopra, also staged a protest and demanded an apology from Abdullah.
Chopra criticised the remarks, saying a leader who had served as chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir should be mindful of the responsibility attached to his public position.
Vivek Bali, Jammu and Kashmir president of the Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party (SBSP), demanded an investigation into the remarks and appropriate legal action if they were found to violate the law.
Bali said public representatives must exercise responsibility while commenting on matters concerning national security, sovereignty and the country's integrity. He added that freedom of expression must be exercised within the framework of constitutional responsibilities.
The Jammu State Movement (JSM) also held an emergency meeting of its core group under the chairmanship of retired Brigadier Vijay Sagar Dhewan at Upper Roop Nagar here to discuss Abdullah’s remarks.
The organisation appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and other competent authorities to order a fair, independent and time-bound investigation.
The JSM called for scrutiny of Abdullah’s remarks and sought examination of possible action under the National Security Act (NSA), including preventive detention, if the statutory requirements were met.
It also urged the authorities to examine whether any legal proceedings against the National Conference were warranted and called on the Election Commission of India to review relevant matters under the applicable election laws.