Accuses Er Rashid of Complicity in Silence Over Article 370 Abrogation
Inayat Qayoom
RAFI22
National Conference leader Omar Abdullah sharply criticized the BJP-led central government for bringing foreign delegations to observe the Jammu and Kashmir elections. Abdullah questioned the need for international observers if, as the BJP claims, everything is fine in the region and the Kashmir issue is an internal matter of India. He expressed his disbelief, saying that such actions contradict the government’s stance that the situation is under control.
He emphasized that the people of Jammu and Kashmir are not participating in the elections to fulfill the Union government’s agenda but to send a message. Abdullah highlighted that the abrogation of Article 370 and the stripping of the region’s special status were against the wishes of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
“Why are foreign delegations being brought in to witness the elections if everything is normal, as the BJP claims?” Abdullah asked while addressing a massive gathering. He added that the move contradicted the government’s position and questioned its credibility on the global stage.
Speaking to the media, Abdullah claimed that the BJP’s real intention is to have the newly elected assembly validate the abrogation of Article 370. He urged voters to decide whether they would support the NC-Congress alliance or allow the BJP to take control of the region’s future. The decision, he said, rests with the people, who must choose wisely.
In his speech, Abdullah claimed that Rashid admitted in recent interviews to having met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2018, during which Modi allegedly asked for his support in scrapping Article 370. “Rashid said he backed Modi’s ‘good decisions,’ yet he did not raise any legal challenge against the abrogation plans when it could have made a difference,” Abdullah stated.
The former chief minister argued that if Rashid had acted in 2018, he could have approached the Supreme Court to block the move, possibly preserving Kashmir’s special status, flag, and constitution. “Had he moved the court, a favorable judgment might have protected our rights, but now, in 2019, the people of Kashmir are bearing the brunt of his silence,” Abdullah said.
In a biting critique, Abdullah accused Rashid of being a pawn for the central government, manipulating the people’s emotions while subtly working to divide the Kashmiri vote. He quoted the famous phrase, “Lamhoon Ne Khataa Ki, Sadiyoon Ne Saza Paayi” (A mistake made in moments is punished for centuries), to underline the consequences of Rashid’s alleged inaction.
Abdullah further suggested that despite Rashid’s claims of aligning with the Hurriyat’s cause, his actions indicate otherwise. He pointed to Rashid’s associations with figures like Sandeep Mawa, hinting at a broader agenda that goes against the interests of the Kashmiri people.
The rally marked a significant escalation in Abdullah’s campaign as the NC-Congress alliance faces off against the BJP and other regional players in the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir elections. Abdullah’s remarks also come as Kashmir remains deeply divided over the abrogation of Article 370, with political leaders continuing to debate the issue’s long-term impact on the region.