Thu Sep 19 08:32:19 UTC 2024: ## Farooq Abdullah Denies Alignment with Pakistan on Article 370 Restoration
**Srinagar:** National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah on Thursday distanced himself from Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khwaja Asif’s statement claiming alignment between Pakistan and the NC-Congress alliance on the restoration of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir.
Responding to ANI, Abdullah stated, “I don’t know what Pakistan says. I am not a Pakistani; I am an Indian citizen.”
The controversy arose after Asif, speaking on Geo News, said that Pakistan and the NC-Congress alliance share the same stance on the restoration of Article 370 and 35A in Jammu and Kashmir. This statement sparked outrage among BJP leaders who accused the Congress-NC alliance of aligning with Pakistan’s interests.
Amit Malviya, BJP leader, took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his dismay, calling it a “dangerous alliance” and highlighting the alliance’s apparent support for those “inimical to India’s interest.”
BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala questioned the nature of the relationship between the Congress party, NC, and Pakistan, pointing to the alliance’s continuous efforts to collaborate with Pakistan.
Abdullah, however, refrained from commenting on the specifics of the alliance’s position on Article 370, stating that everything will become clear after the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly polls on October 8th. He highlighted his intention to bring back the “Darbar Move,” a traditional practice of shifting the government to Jammu during winter and back to Srinagar in summer, which he believes will foster better relations between Jammu and Kashmir.
The issue of Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, remains highly sensitive, with differing opinions on its revocation in 2019. The upcoming Jammu and Kashmir Assembly polls are expected to further fuel the debate surrounding the issue and the political affiliations involved.
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