In the ongoing Jammu and Kashmir elections, Article 370 and 35A have become major topics of discussion. The National Conference has promised to restore Article 370 if they come to power, which has drawn criticism from both the BJP and Congress. Now, Pakistan has also tried to interfere in this issue by commenting on India’s internal matter. However, former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Farooq Abdullah, has strongly reacted to this.
Pakistan’s Defense Minister, Khawaja Asif, said that Pakistan supports Congress and National Conference on the restoration of Article 370. During a TV program, he was asked about the restoration of Article 370 and 35A. In response, he said, “I think it’s possible. Congress and National Conference have a significant presence. The people of Kashmir are motivated on this issue. There is a good chance they will come to power, and they should restore the status. If that happens, it will help heal the wounds of the Kashmiri people.”
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What did Farooq Abdullah say about the Pakistan Defense Minister’s statement?
When asked about the statement, Farooq Abdullah said, “I don’t know what Pakistan says. I’m not Pakistani. I’m an Indian citizen.” On the question of restoring Article 370, he said, “It will take time, but one day, Article 370 will return. We will need to go to court for this.”
Farooq Abdullah, President of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference, also said, “We have promised to provide jobs to 100,000 children. Widows will receive ₹5,000 per month, and the poor will get 12 cylinders of gas every year. We (the INDIA alliance) will ensure that Jammu and Kashmir gets statehood back.”
In 2019, the Modi government removed Article 370 and divided Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories: Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. Jammu and Kashmir is now a Union Territory with its own assembly, similar to Delhi.