Row erupts over Farooq Abdullah’s remarks on Pakistan and Kashmiris; BJP demands apology

Jammu & Kashmir National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah has sparked a major political row by claiming Pakistan is helping protect Kashmiris, drawing sharp condemnation and demands for an apology from the BJP, which labeled his remarks an act of treason. While the Congress distanced itself from his statements, the CPI(M) blamed the Centre’s delay in restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood for fueling local alienation and frustration.