Mehbooba Mufti Questions Farooq Abdullah’s Role in Article 370 Abrogation, Seeks Clarity from NC,Dulat’s Remarks About Late Mufti Not Significant
In a significant political development, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president and former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti has raised serious questions about the role of Dr. Farooq Abdullah, president of the National Conference (NC), in the events leading up to the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019. Speaking at a press conference at the PDP headquarters, Mehbooba urged the NC leadership to publicly clarify their position in light of revelations made by former Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) chief A. S. Dulat.
A.S. Dulat’s Revelations Spark Controversy
A.S. Dulat, a former intelligence chief known for his close association with Dr. Farooq Abdullah, recently claimed that the senior NC leader was disturbed not because of the abrogation of Article 370 itself, but because the BJP did not take him into confidence before executing the move. According to Dulat, Farooq had even suggested that he could have helped the BJP accomplish their objective of removing Article 370 through the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly.
These revelations have stirred political debate in the Union Territory, with Mehbooba Mufti terming Dulat’s claims “very serious in nature” and a matter that deserves public explanation. “Dulat is not someone who would say such things to harm Farooq Sahib’s interests. He is close to him. What he has said seems more like an attempt to bridge the gap between the BJP and Farooq Sahib,” she stated.
Mehbooba Dismisses Comparisons to Her Father
Mehbooba also responded to comments made by NC vice president Omar Abdullah, who had earlier tried to equate Dulat’s remarks about Dr. Farooq with his past comments on the late Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, Mehbooba’s father and PDP founder. She dismissed these comparisons, saying the remarks about her father were “minor issues,” whereas the claim involving Dr. Farooq and Article 370 touches the very core of Jammu and Kashmir’s political identity.
“Article 370 was the soul of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status, and any suggestion that a prominent Kashmiri leader was willing to collaborate in its removal is extremely serious,” Mehbooba said.
Demands for Public Accountability
During the press interaction, Mehbooba demanded that the National Conference and its leadership come forward and clarify what role, if any, Dr. Farooq and Omar Abdullah played in the lead-up to the constitutional changes of August 5, 2019. She questioned their presence at a meeting with the Prime Minister just two days prior, on August 3, 2019, and demanded transparency on what transpired.
“The people of Jammu and Kashmir deserve to know the truth. What were Farooq and Omar Sahib doing with the Prime Minister two days before the abrogation? Why is there silence from the NC on such a critical issue?” she asked.
Concerns Over Statehood Narrative
Mehbooba further criticised the National Conference for aligning, knowingly or unknowingly, with what she termed the “BJP narrative” on statehood. “It’s the BJP that promised the return of statehood. Even the Prime Minister and Union Home Minister have committed to it. But what has not been promised, what is being ignored, is Article 370. That’s what matters the most,” she said.
She expressed disappointment that the NC, which once held 50 seats in the legislative assembly, is no longer pushing for the restoration of Article 370. “We had hoped they would take a firm stand, but they have avoided even mentioning it. This silence is troubling,” Mehbooba added.
Political Implications
Mehbooba Mufti’s pointed remarks come at a time when political activity in Jammu and Kashmir is gradually gaining momentum amid ongoing legal and administrative battles. Her statement also reflects growing unease among regional parties over the BJP’s policies and the perceived shift in priorities among former allies and political opponents.
The controversy surrounding A.S. Dulat’s comments has opened up a new front in the political discourse, one that could redefine alliances and narratives as the region awaits clarity on its future status and governance structure.
Conclusion
By questioning Dr. Farooq Abdullah’s alleged willingness to assist the BJP in removing Article 370, Mehbooba Mufti has thrown a spotlight on a politically sensitive issue that continues to shape the politics of Jammu and Kashmir. Her demand for transparency and accountability may force the National Conference to break its silence, as political parties prepare for the next phase in the region’s ongoing struggle for identity, rights, and representation.
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