Srinagar, April 16 (KNS): Reacting to the controversy surrounding Farooq Abdullahs role in Article 370 abrogation, Former RAW and IB chief A.S. Dulat said it is all speculation.
“Whatever is being said about Farooq Abdullah is not true. People should read the whole book. Someone has picked something and blown it. Sab bakwas hai. You should read the book,” Dulat told KNS in an exclusive interview.
Reports has earlier revealed that shortly after the constitutional move in August 2019, the Government of India informally requested him to reach out to Farooq Abdullah, who was under house arrest at the time.
“Someone from Delhi asked me to get in touch with Farooq Sahib,” Dulat has said in his book according to reports.“And while there were no formal conditions, it was understood that he would not publicly oppose the move or speak on Pakistan. Farooq was sharp enough to understand,” reports has said.
On the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, Dulat was candid and skeptical:
> “Statehood won’t be given. I don’t think so, at least not for a long time,” he said.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
Asked about the assurances given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, he responded:
“So far, it has not been given. May not get it for some time. You should also ask CM Omar Abdullah—he met the Home Minister and said he was assured it will be given soon.”
Reacting to the political storm, Peoples Conference chairman Sajad Lone posted on X:
“If Dulat says Farooq supported the abrogation, it’s credible—he’s virtually Farooq’s alter ego. NC will deny it as usual and play the victim card.”
The controversy erupted following leaked excerpts from Dulat’s upcoming book in which he suggests that Dr. Farooq Abdullah privately supported the revocation of Article 370. The claim triggered strong political reactions, especially from Sajad Lone, who alleged that NC leaders maintain a public posture of resistance while keeping cozy ties with BJP in private.
With Dulat's credibility and insider role, the revelations add another twist to the post-370 political narrative in Jammu and Kashmir. (KNS)