Addressing a gathering of National Conference workers in Baramulla, northern Kashmir, on October 24, Abdullah questioned whether Kashmiri people could expect justice from the central government in New Delhi. He urged residents to stand united to protect their rights and identity.

According to media reports, Abdullah said Pakistan was highlighting the unresolved Kashmir dispute internationally. He was quoted as saying that Pakistan was helping protect Kashmiris by raising the issue, while questioning the intentions of India’s ruling leadership towards the region.

His remarks drew criticism from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders, who accused him of making pro-Pakistan statements.

Abdullah Questions Delay in Restoring Statehood

Abdullah criticised the delay in restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, saying New Delhi had promised to restore it after delimitation and elections, but the commitment remained unfulfilled.

He urged people to remain united and speak up for their rights, warning that merely believing they were free would not be enough if they could not challenge injustice.

However, Abdullah also reiterated his political association with India, saying his party had consistently identified with the India envisioned by Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru. His criticism was directed at the current government’s policies rather than a stated rejection of that political association.

Criticism of Demolitions and Media Pressure

The National Conference leader also criticised demolitions of Muslim homes, shops and places of worship in states outside Jammu and Kashmir, alleging that Muslims were facing discriminatory treatment.

He called for unity to protect the community’s rights and questioned support for governments under which, he alleged, Muslim properties were being targeted.

Abdullah also accused sections of India’s mainstream media of acting as mouthpieces for the ruling BJP. He alleged that journalists critical of the government faced pressure, including police summons and other forms of intimidation.

Focus on Youth, Poverty and Local Resources

Addressing young people, Abdullah expressed concern about excessive mobile phone use and urged them to learn more about Jammu and Kashmir’s history and political circumstances.

He also called on National Conference workers to remain loyal to the party and questioned whether those supporting it while it was in government would continue to do so after it lost power.

On economic issues, Abdullah stressed the need to tackle poverty and criticised electricity shortages in Jammu and Kashmir despite the region’s hydropower potential. He argued that local people should benefit more from resources generated in their region.

He further raised concerns about delays in decisions affecting the health sector and alleged that administrative changes had reduced the autonomy of medical institutions.

Abdullah also criticised the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), alleging that its alliance with the BJP had contributed to the developments that led to the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special constitutional status in 2019.

BJP Leaders React

BJP leaders strongly criticised Abdullah’s remarks about Pakistan. Jammu and Kashmir BJP president Sat Sharma reportedly demanded a public apology, while party spokesperson R. P. Singh said Abdullah should also consider the situation of Kashmiris across the border.

Some BJP leaders described his comments as pro-Pakistan, and one reportedly called for a sedition case against him.

The full, verbatim text of Abdullah’s speech was not available in the reports cited by the source publication. His remarks on Kashmir’s political status, civil rights, economic conditions and relations with New Delhi were reported through coverage by multiple Indian media outlets.