Ex-R&AW chief Dulat claims Farooq privately backed Article 370 abrogation, he denies
In his newly released book, “The Chief Minister and the Spy”, former Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) chief A S Dulat has made a surprising claim that former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah privately backed the abrogation of Article 370. However, Abdullah has strongly denied the allegation, terming it a “figment of imagination” of the author who claims to be his friend.
According to Dulat, Abdullah’s National Conference (NC) suggested that the abrogation of Article 370 would have helped in passing the Bill in Parliament. The former R&AW chief has written that Abdullah had expressed his views on the issue during a meeting in 2019, when the government was considering the move.
In his book, Dulat has claimed that Abdullah’s views were in contrast to those of his son, Omar Abdullah, who was the then Opposition leader in the J&K Assembly. Omar Abdullah was strongly opposed to the abrogation of Article 370 and had spoken out against it.
The claim has sparked a controversy, with many questioning the motives behind Dulat’s revelation. While Dulat has not specified the exact date of the meeting, he has stated that it took place before the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019.
Abdullah has vehemently denied Dulat’s claim, terming it a “figment of imagination” of the author who claims to be his friend. In a statement, Abdullah said, “I have known A S Dulat for over 30 years, and I can confidently say that he has got it wrong this time. I have always been and will remain opposed to the abrogation of Article 370.”
Abdullah also questioned Dulat’s motives behind making such a claim, saying, “It’s surprising that someone who claims to be a friend would write such a thing. I don’t know what his agenda is, but I can tell you that I have never said anything to support the abrogation of Article 370.”
The controversy surrounding Dulat’s claim has raised questions about the credibility of the former R&AW chief’s book. While Dulat has built a reputation as a seasoned intelligence officer, his claim has been met with skepticism by many.
The abrogation of Article 370 has been a highly controversial issue, with many arguing that it has led to the erosion of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status. The move was seen as a major shift in the region’s politics, and has been met with widespread opposition from various quarters.
In the run-up to the abrogation of Article 370, there were many claims and counter-claims about the issue. While the government maintained that the move was necessary to integrate Jammu and Kashmir with the rest of the country, many critics argued that it was a violation of the region’s autonomy.
The controversy surrounding Dulat’s claim highlights the complex and often contentious nature of politics in Jammu and Kashmir. The region has a long history of political upheaval, and the abrogation of Article 370 has only added to the complexity of the situation.
In conclusion, the controversy surrounding Dulat’s claim highlights the need for transparency and accountability in politics. While Dulat’s claim may have sparked a controversy, it also raises important questions about the credibility of the former R&AW chief’s book. As the debate surrounding the abrogation of Article 370 continues, it is essential that all stakeholders remain committed to transparency and truth.
Source: https://repository.inshorts.com/articles/en/PTI/5880e3bf-0a05-40d6-887a-465b5c760b3a
