Ex-R&AW chief Dulat claims Farooq privately backed Article 370 abrogation, he denies
The abrogation of Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, has been a contentious issue in India since its revocation in August 2019. The move has been widely seen as a significant step towards integrating the region with the rest of the country. However, a new claim by former R&AW chief AS Dulat has added a fresh layer of complexity to the debate.
In his new book, ‘The Chief Minister and the Spy’, Dulat claims that former J&K Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah privately backed the abrogation of Article 370. The book is a memoir that details Dulat’s experiences as the chief of the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW), India’s external intelligence agency.
According to Dulat, Abdullah’s National Conference (NC) suggested that the abrogation of Article 370 would have helped in passing the Bill in Parliament. Dulat claims that he had a conversation with Abdullah where the former CM expressed his willingness to support the move.
However, Abdullah has strongly denied the claim, calling it a “figment of imagination of the author who claims to be my friend”. Abdullah has been a vocal critic of the government’s decision to abrogate Article 370, and has repeatedly stated that it was an unconstitutional move.
It is worth noting that Dulat’s claim comes as a surprise, given that Abdullah has been a key figure in the NC, which has historically been opposed to any attempts to dilute the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. The NC has consistently argued that Article 370 is a vital provision that protects the rights and interests of the people of the region.
Dulat’s claim has sparked a heated debate, with many questioning the motives behind his assertion. Some have suggested that Dulat’s statement is an attempt to influence the political narrative on the issue, while others have accused him of trying to tarnish Abdullah’s reputation.
The controversy has also raised questions about the credibility of Dulat’s book, which is expected to provide a detailed account of his experiences as the R&AW chief. While Dulat has built a reputation as a seasoned intelligence officer, his claim has been met with skepticism by many who have followed the issue closely.
The debate surrounding Article 370 has been ongoing for several years, with both sides presenting their arguments. While some have argued that the provision is an anachronism that hinders the development of the region, others have claimed that it is a vital provision that protects the rights and interests of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
In the wake of Dulat’s claim, the debate has taken a new turn, with many calling for clarity on the issue. The controversy has also highlighted the need for transparent and credible communication, especially when it comes to matters of national importance.
In conclusion, the controversy surrounding Dulat’s claim has added a new layer of complexity to the debate surrounding Article 370. While the claim has sparked a heated debate, it is essential to approach the issue with a balanced perspective and to seek credible and transparent information. As the debate continues, it is crucial that all parties involved approach the issue with respect and sensitivity, and that the rights and interests of the people of Jammu and Kashmir are protected.
Source:
https://repository.inshorts.com/articles/en/PTI/5880e3bf-0a05-40d6-887a-465b5c760b3a
