Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of initiating moves to bifurcate the erstwhile state. The statement came as the CM was responding, referring to statements by BJP leader Tarun Chugh, who had called for a fully united Jammu and Kashmir, including PoK.
Abdullah said, “It’s good that he made these comments, but the idea of bifurcating the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir was initiated by the ruling party itself.”
“We always wanted and kept Jammu and Kashmir as one. However, it was the current dispensation at the centre that separated Ladakh, and we still hope that Ladakh rejoins Jammu and Kashmir,” Omar added.
He continued, “The decision to bifurcate Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh was not right, and now seeing some BJP leaders advocating the separation of Jammu from Kashmir is wrong. The idea of bifurcating two regions is being flouted by the BJP and some of their allies in Kashmir.”
The remarks from Chugh and other BJP figures have sparked sharp political backlash from the ruling National Conference. Earlier, Chugh had stated, “BJP believes in a fully united Jammu and Kashmir, including the parts of PoK illegally occupied by Pakistan.”
In contrast, People’s Conference Chief Sajad Gani Lone said on Wednesday, “I pray to God that the separation of Jammu from Kashmir becomes possible. It would be true liberation. But beware, the big crocodiles will invent new stories tomorrow. Still, despite everything, we hope this comes to pass.”
Responding to an earlier statement by BJP leader Sham Lal Sharma on January 13, NC president Farooq Abdullah remarked, “Jammu and Kashmir cannot be separated from each other. It would be like a body without a head.”
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