Ex-R&AW chief Dulat claims Farooq privately backed Article 370 abrogation, he denies
In a recent revelation, former R&AW chief AS Dulat has claimed in his new book, “The Chief Minister and the Spy”, that former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah privately backed the abrogation of Article 370. However, Abdullah has vehemently denied these claims, calling them a “figment of imagination” of the author.
According to Dulat, in his book, he claims that Abdullah’s National Conference (NC) suggested that the abrogation of Article 370 would have helped in passing the Bill. This statement has sparked a significant controversy, with many questioning the veracity of Dulat’s claims.
Article 370 was a constitutional provision that granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, allowing it to have its own constitution, flag, and autonomy in matters such as governance and law. The provision was a sensitive issue in the region, with many locals cherishing their unique identity and autonomy.
The abrogation of Article 370 was a significant event in Indian politics, with the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi unilaterally abolishing the provision in August 2019. The move was met with widespread protests and unrest in the region, with many accusing the government of violating the rights of Kashmiris.
Dulat, who served as the chief of the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) from 1999 to 2000, has been known for his close ties with various political leaders, including Abdullah. His book, “The Chief Minister and the Spy”, is an account of his experiences as a spy and his interactions with various political leaders.
In his book, Dulat claims that he had a close relationship with Abdullah and that the two would often meet and discuss various issues. He alleges that during one such meeting, Abdullah’s NC suggested that the abrogation of Article 370 would have helped in passing the Bill.
Abdullah, however, has denied these claims, saying that they are a “figment of imagination” of the author. In a statement, he said, “I have never said anything about abrogation of Article 370. I have always maintained that it is a matter of national importance and should be decided by the government of India.”
Abdullah’s denial has raised questions about the credibility of Dulat’s claims. Many have pointed out that Dulat’s book is based on his personal experiences and opinions, and that his claims should be taken with a pinch of salt.
The controversy has also raised questions about the motivations behind Dulat’s claims. Some have suggested that Dulat may be trying to sensationalize his book by making such claims, while others have accused him of trying to tarnish Abdullah’s reputation.
The debate surrounding Dulat’s claims has also highlighted the sensitive nature of Article 370 and the ongoing political tensions in Jammu and Kashmir. The abrogation of Article 370 has been a contentious issue, with many Kashmiris feeling that their rights and autonomy have been violated.
In conclusion, the controversy surrounding Dulat’s claims about Abdullah’s backing for the abrogation of Article 370 highlights the complexities and sensitivities surrounding this issue. While Dulat’s claims may have sparked a significant debate, they have also raised questions about the credibility of the author and the motivations behind his claims.
Source: https://repository.inshorts.com/articles/en/PTI/5880e3bf-0a05-40d6-887a-465b5c760b3a
