farooq-abdullah-urges-international-investigation-into-twin-kashmir-terror-attacks

On Sunday, National Conference president Farooq Abdullah called on the Centre to launch an investigation into the recent twin terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir and urged Pakistan to cease its support for terrorism in the region.

 

Abdullah, the former chief minister, stated that if the Centre does not initiate a probe into the two violent incidents, his party would seek the involvement of an international committee to identify those responsible for the attacks.

 

The attacks occurred on Saturday night, resulting in the death of Aijaz Sheikh, a former sarpanch associated with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), in Shopian, and injuring a tourist couple from Rajasthan in Anantnag.

 

During an election rally in Mendhar, Poonch district, Abdullah questioned the effectiveness of the abrogation of Article 370 in curbing terrorism. "I have been repeatedly saying that those in Delhi are misleading the people by claiming that Article 370 was responsible for terrorism. How many years have passed since its abrogation? Has terrorism stopped?” he asked reporters.

 

Abdullah emphasized the need for justice in Sheikh's murder, describing him as an innocent former BJP sarpanch who had the right to live in a free country where any party can promote its ideology. He called for an investigation to identify those behind the killing and the attack on tourists in Anantnag.

 

"If the Centre does not conduct a probe, we should invite an international committee to investigate who is responsible for such attacks," he reiterated.

 

Addressing the broader issue of regional peace, Abdullah urged Pakistan to end its support for terrorism, suggesting that once terror activities cease, both nations could engage in dialogue to resolve their issues.

 

Responding to Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari's claim that Shah’s visit aimed to benefit NC and PDP before the parliamentary elections' fifth and sixth phases, Abdullah dismissed the assertion, refusing to discuss the party or its claims.

 

He pointedly questioned the origins of militancy in the region, hinting at separatist-turned-mainstream politician Sajad Lone without naming him. "Who brought the gun here (in J-K) and who raised a party that imported arms from across the border to target our innocent people and workers? Who received money from Pakistan and distributed it here?" he asked.

 

Abdullah concluded by highlighting his long-standing warnings in Parliament about these issues, noting that the same individuals now stand with the BJP.