'Whenever We Seek Statehood': Farooq Abdullah's Controversial Remarks On Kulgam Terror Attack Spark BJP's Criticism

Jammu and Kashmir former chief minister and National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Saturday stirred a row over his remarks on the killings of two migrant workers by terrorists in the Kellam area of Kulgam district. He said that such attacks take place when they raise their demand for statehood.

Abdullah also called for a thorough investigation into the killings, saying the perpetrators must be identified. Addressing reporters, former J&K CM said it was not yet known who was behind the attack.

"It is not even known who carried out the attack or who the perpetrators are. There must be an investigation to identify the attackers. I do not know why this happens only when we ask for the restoration of statehood," Abdullah said.

Abdullah's statement sparked criticism from the BJP, the prime opposition party in the UT. Senior BJP leader Ravinder Raina slammed Abdullah and stressed a need for unity rather than speculative statement.

Speaking to news agency ANI, Raina said, "He is a very responsible person, and in the context of the terror attack that took place in Kulgam, Farooq Abdullah made a highly controversial statement that is deeply unfortunate. When innocent laborers are brutally murdered by terrorists, the nation expects every political leader to stand united against terrorism, not to make any speculative statements, not to create confusion, or to divert attention from the perpetrators."

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Condemning the linking of terror attack with statehood, Raina added, "He is just justifying this terror attack and relating this attack to statehood. This is highly condemnable... Every leader should unequivocally condemn the killers and express solidarity with the victim families. Terrorists must be defeated with national unity and not by politicizing such a tragic incident. Statehood is a constitutional and democratic issue. Relating the terror attack to the statehood issue is an unjustified statement..."

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, while strongly condemning the attack, announced an ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh each from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund (CMRF) for the families of the deceased. This assistance will be in addition to the immediate relief of Rs 6 lakh each being provided by the district administration.

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The Chief Minister said the killing of innocent people was highly condemnable and inhumane. He added that the government stood firmly with the bereaved families in this hour of grief and would provide them with all possible assistance.

(With ANI Inputs)