In Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who holds office in name only while real power rests with Delhi-appointed Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, is facing criticism for his recent remarks on Article 370, which did not sit well with the people of the territory. 

According to Kashmir Media Service, Omar Abdullah, in a recent media interview, claimed that pro-freedom activities had declined following the revocation of Article 370—a narrative promoted by India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to justify its illegal action. 

Omar Abdullah was slammed for retreating from promises made to the people during last year’s elections.  Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Abdul Waheed Para, in a social media post, stated that if pro-freedom activities in IIOJK have declined, it is due to draconian laws, property seizures and other brutal measures. 

Taking to the microblogging site X (formerly Twitter), Para said: “Dear Omar Abdullah Sahab, since you are now endorsing peace—if Kashmir appears peaceful today, it is due to UAPA, PSA, NIA, the attachment of houses and assets, constant profiling, verification, the lodgment of prisoners outside under stringent laws, and the sacking of employees under Article 311.” 

“This is a complete U-turn from your election campaign and manifesto. Your endorsement now is nothing but a ratification of the iron-fist approach against Kashmiris,” Para added. He also mentioned tougher measures against the Hurriyat camp, including the ban on Hurriyat and Jamaat-e-Islami as one of the reasons for apparent silence. 

Peoples’ Conference chairman Sajjad Ghani Lone also criticized Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for his remarks, stating that his body language contradicted his words.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)