Jammu, February 4 (PTI) – National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah on Sunday cast doubts over the central government's assertions that militancy in Jammu and Kashmir has been eliminated. He pointed to the recent Kulgam terror attack, stating that if militancy were truly eradicated, such incidents would not occur.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a function, the former J&K chief minister criticized the government’s repeated claims made in Parliament, public rallies, and media statements. "Ask those who claim militancy has ended. If such attacks continue to happen, where do their claims stand now?" Abdullah remarked.
The Kulgam attack, which occurred on Monday, resulted in the death of an ex-serviceman and left two women, including his wife, injured.
He recalled similar claims made by the BJP regarding elections in J&K, emphasizing how their previous predictions of a hung assembly had not materialized. "Where are their claims today? They seem to have gone silent now," he added.
On the restoration of J&K’s statehood, Abdullah expressed optimism. "God willing, it will be restored. It may take time, but it will definitely happen," he assured.
"How many of our answers do you publish? Can you criticize the government? You only criticize the opposition. Otherwise, you and your newspaper will face consequences," he said, alleging that media freedom in the country was under threat.
Addressing the possibility of a cancer vaccine, he strongly advocated for thorough research before its introduction. "If a vaccine is to be developed for cancer, research should be done properly. No one is against it, but it should not be rushed like COVID-19 vaccines," he stated.
Abdullah’s remarks come amid ongoing political debates over governance, elections, and public health policies, reinforcing his stance on militancy, democracy, and the need for accountability.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a function, the former J&K chief minister criticized the government’s repeated claims made in Parliament, public rallies, and media statements. "Ask those who claim militancy has ended. If such attacks continue to happen, where do their claims stand now?" Abdullah remarked.
The Kulgam attack, which occurred on Monday, resulted in the death of an ex-serviceman and left two women, including his wife, injured.
"Election Results Are Decided by the People, Not Politicians"
Abdullah also weighed in on political matters, including the Delhi elections and the INDIA bloc’s unity. When asked about the BJP's confidence in securing victory in Delhi, he urged patience, stating, "Elections will happen on Wednesday. The decision will be made by the people, not by me or Sakina Itoo."He recalled similar claims made by the BJP regarding elections in J&K, emphasizing how their previous predictions of a hung assembly had not materialized. "Where are their claims today? They seem to have gone silent now," he added.
On INDIA Bloc’s Strength and Statehood for J&K
Discussing the opposition alliance (INDIA bloc) and its internal challenges, Abdullah dismissed concerns over Congress and AAP contesting separately in Delhi. "If I were a clairvoyant, I could predict the impact, but I am a simple man. I don't know who will win or lose," he said. However, he affirmed that the alliance was moving forward with determination and divine support.On the restoration of J&K’s statehood, Abdullah expressed optimism. "God willing, it will be restored. It may take time, but it will definitely happen," he assured.
Concerns Over Media Freedom and EVMs
Responding to concerns raised by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal about Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), Abdullah shifted the focus to press freedom in India. He questioned whether the media could freely criticize the central government without repercussions."How many of our answers do you publish? Can you criticize the government? You only criticize the opposition. Otherwise, you and your newspaper will face consequences," he said, alleging that media freedom in the country was under threat.
Skepticism Over COVID-19 Vaccine and Cancer Research
Abdullah also voiced skepticism regarding the COVID-19 vaccine, alleging that it was rolled out without sufficient trials. He linked the vaccine to health issues among young people, including heart attacks, though he acknowledged that concrete evidence was yet to be established.Addressing the possibility of a cancer vaccine, he strongly advocated for thorough research before its introduction. "If a vaccine is to be developed for cancer, research should be done properly. No one is against it, but it should not be rushed like COVID-19 vaccines," he stated.
Abdullah’s remarks come amid ongoing political debates over governance, elections, and public health policies, reinforcing his stance on militancy, democracy, and the need for accountability.
