Ex-R&AW chief Dulat claims Farooq privately backed Article 370 abrogation, he denies
In a recent controversy, former R&AW chief AS Dulat has made a shocking claim in his new book ‘The Chief Minister and the Spy’ stating that former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah privately backed the abrogation of Article 370. However, Abdullah has denied this claim, calling it a “figment of imagination of the author who claims to be my friend”.
In his book, Dulat reportedly claims that Abdullah’s National Conference (NC) suggested that the abrogation of Article 370 would have helped in passing the Bill in the Parliament. This is a significant claim as Article 370 was the constitutional provision that granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir.
For many years, the provision was a contentious issue in Indian politics, with some parties demanding its abolition and others insisting that it be retained. The abrogation of Article 370 was finally achieved in August 2019, when the Indian government revoked the provision through a presidential order.
Dulat’s claim has sparked a heated debate in the political circles, with many questioning the veracity of his statement. Abdullah, who is a senior leader of the NC, has denied any involvement in backing the abrogation of Article 370.
In a statement, Abdullah said, “I have never discussed or supported the abrogation of Article 370. This is a figment of imagination of the author who claims to be my friend. I have always stood for the rights and dignity of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, and I will continue to do so.”
Dulat’s claim has been met with skepticism by many, who point out that there is no concrete evidence to support his statement. Many have also questioned the timing of the claim, with some suggesting that it may be an attempt to tarnish Abdullah’s reputation.
The controversy surrounding Dulat’s claim has also raised questions about the role of the R&AW in Indian politics. The R&AW is India’s external intelligence agency, responsible for gathering intelligence on foreign governments and organizations. However, the agency has often been accused of meddling in domestic politics, and Dulat’s claim has added fuel to these allegations.
In recent years, the R&AW has been embroiled in several controversies, including allegations of snooping on politicians and journalists. The agency has also been accused of supporting certain political parties and individuals to further its own interests.
In conclusion, the controversy surrounding Dulat’s claim has raised several important questions about the role of the R&AW in Indian politics and the veracity of his statement. While Dulat’s book may provide interesting insights into the world of espionage and politics, his claim about Abdullah’s backing for the abrogation of Article 370 remains unproven and contentious.
News Source: https://repository.inshorts.com/articles/en/PTI/5880e3bf-0a05-40d6-887a-465b5c760b3a
