Ex-R&AW Chief Dulat Claims Farooq Privately Backed Article 370 Abrogation, He Denies
The ongoing debate over the abrogation of Article 370 has taken a new turn with former R&AW chief AS Dulat claiming in his new book, ‘The Chief Minister and the Spy’, that former J&K CM Farooq Abdullah privately backed the move. However, Farooq Abdullah has categorically denied the claim, terming it a “figment of imagination” of the author who claims to be his friend.
In his book, Dulat, who was the chief of the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) from 1999 to 2000, claims that Abdullah’s National Conference (NC) had suggested that the abrogation of Article 370 would have helped in passing the Bill in Parliament. According to Dulat, Abdullah had made this suggestion during a conversation they had in 2019, before the abrogation of Article 370 was announced by the central government.
However, Farooq Abdullah has rubbished Dulat’s claim, saying that it is not true and that he had never discussed the issue with Dulat or anyone else. In a statement, Abdullah said, “I do not know what kind of figment of imagination the author of this book has. I have never discussed Article 370 with him or anyone else.”
Dulat’s claim has sparked a controversy, with many questioning the credibility of the former R&AW chief’s account. While Dulat’s book is based on his own experiences and conversations with various individuals, including politicians, his claim about Abdullah’s private backing of the abrogation of Article 370 has been met with skepticism.
Several political leaders and analysts have weighed in on the issue, with some accusing Dulat of trying to tarnish Abdullah’s reputation. “Dulat’s claim is an attempt to create controversy and discredit Farooq Abdullah,” said a political analyst, who wished to remain anonymous. “It’s a desperate attempt to gain attention and publicity for his book.”
Others have questioned the timing of Dulat’s claim, saying that it was made at a time when the debate over Article 370 is at its peak. “Dulat’s claim is nothing but a publicity stunt,” said a political leader from Jammu and Kashmir. “He is trying to capitalize on the current situation and gain attention for his book.”
The controversy surrounding Dulat’s claim has also raised questions about the reliability of his account. While Dulat’s book is based on his own experiences and conversations with various individuals, it is unclear whether his account is accurate or not.
In a statement, the publisher of Dulat’s book, Penguin Random House, said that the author’s account was based on his own recollections and conversations with individuals, including politicians. However, the publisher also acknowledged that the accuracy of Dulat’s account could not be verified independently.
The controversy surrounding Dulat’s claim has also raised questions about the role of the R&AW in the abrogation of Article 370. While the central government has maintained that the decision to abrogate Article 370 was taken after extensive consultations with various stakeholders, including political leaders from Jammu and Kashmir, Dulat’s claim has raised questions about the agency’s involvement in the decision-making process.
In a statement, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said that the decision to abrogate Article 370 was taken by the central government and was not influenced by any external agency or individual. “The decision to abrogate Article 370 was taken after extensive consultations with various stakeholders, including political leaders from Jammu and Kashmir,” said an MHA spokesperson. “The R&AW or any other agency was not involved in the decision-making process.”
The controversy surrounding Dulat’s claim is likely to continue for some time, with many political leaders and analysts calling for a thorough investigation into the matter. While Dulat’s claim has raised questions about the credibility of his account, it has also raised important questions about the role of the R&AW and the central government in the abrogation of Article 370.
News Source: https://repository.inshorts.com/articles/en/PTI/5880e3bf-0a05-40d6-887a-465b5c760b3a
