- He tried to sow doubts in the people’s mind about the killing of 40 CRPF personnel in the Pulwama terror attack.
- Invited the Hurriat to join hands for “the Kashmir cause”
- Tried to incite the people against the government and India
New Delhi: Dr Farooq Abdullah, three-time Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, has often been seen as amongst India’s most flamboyant politicians for his colourful life—in politics and off it. Like Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, he likes to spend leisurely time overseas ignoring the pressing issues being faced by their own parties, and issues reckless statements.
But now the problem Dr Abdullah, recently detained under the Public Safety Act (PSA), passed by his father Sheikh Muhammed Abdulla-headed Jammu and Kashmir Government decades ago, is facing is rather serious: the State Government he headed thrice has prepared a 21-page dossier against him, listing 27 charges, 16 police reports, three FIRs and 13 statements in favour of the abrogated Article 35-A, according to media reports.
Dr Abdullah, who turns 82 next month, was already under detention at his Gupkar Road residence in Srinagar when the PSA order was issued against him by the Srinagar District Magistrate on September 14. His home was declared a subsidiary jail, given his standing and keeping in consideration his advanced age.
The dossier noted, according to media reports, that Dr Abdullah has tremendous potential for creating an environment of public disorder within Srinagar district and other parts of the Valley. His conduct is seen as fanning emotions of general masses against the Union of India, and instigating the public with statements against the unity and integrity of the nation.
For instance, in December 2016, he asked separatist conglomerate Hurriyat Conference to join hands with the National Conference (NC) for the “cause of Kashmir.” He also allegedly ‘justified acts of terror’ by anti-national elements by glorifying terrorists. In July 2019, he was quoted as saying “If Article 370 is temporary, then Jammu and Kashmir’s ties with India are also temporary”.
After the February 14 Pulwama terror attack, Dr Abdullah tried to sow doubts in the public when he said “I doubt 40 CRPF soldiers were killed in the Pulwama attack”.
Just before the Government abrogated the Articles 370 and 35-A, ending the ‘special status” enjoyed by J&K, the dossier notes, he crossed the limits of freedom of speech and expression by calling for an uprising in the state. Instead of debating the legal provisions, Dr Abdullah tried to incite the public by making charged statements like severing ties with India.
Also, his statement asking people to prepare for rebellion against India and talk of not allowing hoisting of national flag have been used to build the case for PSA against him. The government, sources said, insisted on the PSA so as to send a clear message to other mainstream politicians, leaders and workers that the State will not desist from using harsh measures against them if they failed to admit the new reality.
After two MPs from National Conference were allowed to meet Dr Abdullah, the feeling in the government was that he was no mood to dilute his stance and was insisting on fighting the scrapping of Article 370 and Article 35A, reports added.
