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. The Article 370 was a constitutional provision that granted special status to the state of Jammu and Kashmir. However, in August 2019, the Indian Parliament passed a historic resolution to repeal the Article, which led to a significant change in the political landscape of the region.
Dulat, a seasoned intelligence officer, has written a memoir that sheds light on his experiences and interactions with various politicians, including Farooq Abdullah. According to Dulat, Abdullah’s National Conference (NC) party had suggested that the abrogation of Article 370 would have helped in passing the Bill. This claim has sparked a controversy, with Farooq Abdullah denying the allegations and calling them a “figment of imagination of the author who claims to be my friend”.
Dulat’s book is a detailed account of his career as a spy and his interactions with various political leaders. He claims to have had a close relationship with Abdullah, whom he describes as a “close friend”. Dulat’s memoir is also a reflection of his own experiences and views on the political developments in Jammu and Kashmir.
In his book, Dulat writes that he had a meeting with Abdullah in 2019, where the latter allegedly expressed his support for the abrogation of Article 370. According to Dulat, Abdullah told him that his party, the NC, had suggested that the abrogation of Article 370 would have helped in passing the Bill. Dulat claims that Abdullah also told him that he would support the move if it meant that the state would get more autonomy.
However, Farooq Abdullah has vehemently denied these allegations, calling them a “figment of imagination of the author who claims to be my friend”. Abdullah has also questioned the timing of Dulat’s revelations, stating that the former R&AW chief is trying to gain publicity by making such claims.
Abdullah’s denial has been backed by several of his party colleagues, who have also rejected Dulat’s claims. The NC has termed the allegations as “baseless” and “untrue”, and has demanded an apology from Dulat.
The controversy surrounding Dulat’s claims has once again highlighted the complex and sensitive nature of politics in Jammu and Kashmir. The abrogation of Article 370 has been a highly controversial issue, with many opposition parties and regional leaders questioning the move. The controversy has also raised questions about the role of the intelligence agencies in shaping India’s political landscape.
Dulat’s claims have also sparked a debate about the motivations behind his revelations. Some have questioned whether Dulat is trying to settle old scores or seeking to gain attention by making sensational claims. Others have argued that Dulat’s revelations are a reflection of the complex and often contentious nature of politics in Jammu and Kashmir.
In conclusion, the controversy surrounding Dulat’s claims has once again highlighted the complex and sensitive nature of politics in Jammu and Kashmir. While Dulat’s book provides a fascinating glimpse into the world of espionage and politics, the allegations made by the former R&AW chief have also raised important questions about the role of intelligence agencies and the motivations behind their actions.
Source:
https://repository.inshorts.com/articles/en/PTI/5880e3bf-0a05-40d6-887a-465b5c760b3a
