Farooq Abdullah Questions Central Government on Jammu and Kashmir’s Statehood

National Conference President Dr. Farooq Abdullah has sharply criticized the central government regarding the delay in restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. His remarks come as the sixth anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370 approaches on August 5th. Abdullah questioned the actions of the central government, implicitly targeting the BJP, and inquired about their efforts to improve the region. He expressed his conviction that the government would eventually have to reverse its decision and suggested that the current governance structure, with a Lieutenant Governor representing the central authority, needs change, emphasizing the need for democratic principles. Abdullah also raised concerns about security, pointing out ongoing militant activities in Kulgam despite prior claims of eradicating terrorism. He questioned how such encounters were still taking place. Earlier, PDP President Mehbooba Mufti also criticized the central government, stating that the promises of improvement made after the revocation of Article 370 have not been fulfilled.