PoK Wants to Join India: CM Fadnavis Slams Farooq Abdullah
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis hits back at Farooq Abdullah, claiming people in PoK and Pakistan wish to join India.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has launched a scathing attack on Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) Chief Farooq Abdullah, asserting that the people of Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoK) actually aspire to become part of India. This reaction comes after Abdullah made controversial claims regarding Pakistan's role in the Kashmir issue.
Fadnavis Highlights Pakistan's Crisis
Speaking to reporters in Navi Mumbai, CM Fadnavis criticised the JKNC chief for his perceived admiration of Pakistan. He pointed out the stark contrast between the stability of India and the turmoil in the neighbouring country, noting that citizens in Pakistan are currently struggling to secure even basic food items.
Fadnavis emphasized that Jammu and Kashmir is fortunate to be part of India, where it enjoys security, prosperity, and respect. He stated, "Time and again, even in the past, these people never get tired of praising Pakistan. But if they looked at the current situation there, they would see that people are struggling even for basic food." He further believed that the desperation in PoK has led people there to wish for integration with India.
"Shameful" Remarks: Sufi Council Weighs In
The backlash against Farooq Abdullah extended beyond the political sphere. Syed Nasiruddin Chishti, President of the All India Sufi Sajjadanashin Council, described Abdullah's statements as "deeply unfortunate and shameful."
Chishti reminded the JKNC chief that the very position his son, Omar Abdullah, holds as the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir is a product of Indian democracy. He further highlighted the historical damage caused by Pakistan, stating that the country has been responsible for decades of terrorism in Kashmir, leading to countless deaths, and has only harmed the local population.
India's Stance on PoK
Adding to the criticism, BJP leader Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh reiterated India's unwavering position on the disputed territory. He remarked that the affection some individuals hold for Pakistan occasionally manifests in such statements, but clarified that Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir was, and will always remain, an integral part of the Indian nation.
What Triggered the Controversy?
The heated exchange was triggered by comments made by Farooq Abdullah during a workers' convention in Baramulla. Abdullah had claimed that Pakistan was "protecting" the people of Jammu and Kashmir by consistently raising the Kashmir issue at international forums.
During his speech, Abdullah questioned whether Kashmiris could expect justice from Delhi and alleged that the Central Government's intentions toward the region were not positive, suggesting that Pakistan's international efforts were putting necessary pressure on India.