Never witnessed State becoming Union Territory: Farooq Abdullah

Farooq Abdullah. Pic/PTI

Former CM of Jammu and Kashmir and National Conference President Farooq Abdullah on Wednesday criticised the conversion of J-K state into a Union Territory (UT) and said that he has never witnessed a state becoming a union territory, reported news agency ANI.

While addressing a Gujjar and Bakarwal conference at the National Conference Office in Jammu, Abdullah said, "I have never witnessed a state becoming union territory. I have only seen a union territory become a state."

Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation ACT, 2019 was passed on August 5, 2019, and divided Jammu and Kashmir into two parts: the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. The Act also repealed Article 370, which had granted Jammu and Kashmir unique status.

"During my time, there was such a rush at the secretariat. But now, there is nobody to listen (to the problems). This can be changed only by you i.e. the Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs and Christians living here," he added, reported ANI.

Earlier on Thursday, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) summoned Farooq Abdullah for questioning in connection with an alleged money laundering case, agency sources said reported ANI.

The former J-K Chief Minister has been asked to depose at the federal agency's office in Srinagar reported ANI.

As per sources, Abdullah has been summoned as part of the ED's investigation into the alleged fund scam in the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association, reported ANI.

Earlier, ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Wednesday urged the Muslim community to remain vigilant against the BJP's tactics to "mislead" them to get their votes, reported PTI.

The Srinagar MP also called on the Gujjar community here to not vote for the BJP, saying that "your existence will be wiped out if you support them".

Abdullah was speaking at a Gujjar and Bakarwal conference at the Sher-e-Kashmir Bhawan.

"Elections are approaching and only Allah knows what all they (BJP) will do to get the votes of Muslims. They are misleading Hindus by using the Ram temple. Then you (Muslims) have to decide what to do," he said, reported PTI.

The Lok Sabha elections are likely to be held in April-May this year.

"Hindus, who considered us Pakistan, have been lured by them," Abdullah told the gathering, reported PTI.

He warned the Gujjar community that "your existence will be wiped out if you support them (BJP)", reported PTI.

He also recalled efforts made by his party's government for the upliftment of backward communities like Gujjar and Bakarwal.

(With inputs from ANI and PTI)