Jammu, Jan 22: National Conference (NC) president, Dr. Farooq Abdullah, stated on Wednesday that Maharajas had introduced the Article 370 provision in 1927 to protect the land of Dogras.
Addressing party workers in Jammu, Dr. Abdullah explained that the provision was aimed at safeguarding Dogras from potential settlement by residents of Punjab in Jammu and Kashmir. “It was not brought for Kashmiris, but for Dogras. Nobody will come to Kashmir as they are afraid of Muslims,” he remarked.
Dr. Abdullah further argued that there is a false narrative being propagated about Hindus being under threat. “A propaganda is being created that Hindus are in danger, but the fact is nobody can threaten 80 per cent of the population,” he said. He added that the real danger India faces today comes from within the country, not external threats.
The NC leader urged his workers to reflect on the gains and losses experienced over the years.
Dr. Abdullah also criticized the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), pointing out that it was the late Mufti Mohammad Sayeed who formed a coalition government with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Jammu and Kashmir.
“We (NC), Congress, and other parties had approached him with offers of support, but he refused and instead aligned with the BJP. The PDP should introspect and evaluate its actions,” he asserted.
Dr. Abdullah also emphasized that no one can dictate terms to the current administration. “The Omar Abdullah-led government is committed to working for the welfare of the people,” he concluded.
