India betrayed us, but ‘azadi’ is not an option, says Farooq

Srinagar, November 11

National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Saturday said that Kashmir was an issue between India and Pakistan and termed those talking about “azadi” as wrong.

“The issue of ‘azadi’ is nothing. We are landlocked. There is China on one side, Pakistan on other side and India on other side. All three of them have atom bombs. We have nothing except Allah’s name. Those who are talking about ‘azadi’ are talking wrong,” Farooq told reporters here.

Farooq also criticised New Delhi and said it has not “treated us well”. 

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“They have betrayed us. They didn’t recognise the love with which we went to them. The reason for the present turmoil in Kashmir is that India ambushed the people of Kashmir in the night (by snatching autonomy),” he said.

The National Conference president said that New Delhi should restore internal autonomy to the state, describing it as “our right”. “They should restore our internal autonomy, then only peace will return,” he said.

Farooq, who has served as the state’s Chief Minister thrice and was also a Union minister, said having a dialogue with the people of Kashmir only will not solve the issue. “It is an issue between India and Pakistan. Talks will also have to be held with the Government of Pakistan, because a part of this Kashmir is also with them.”

Farooq said New Delhi has forgotten the basis of the Instrument of Accession. “I tell them in plain terms… that the part (of Kashmir) under them belongs to Pakistan and this side belongs to India. This will not change, no matter how many wars they fight,” said Abdullah.

The NC president said dialogue is the only way forward and autonomy would have to be restored to both parts of Kashmir. — TNS