Baramulla, Oct 2026 : Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah on Saturday alleged that the intentions of the Indian state towards Kashmiris were not right, claiming that Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts had helped bring the Kashmir issue to international attention.
Addressing a party workers’ convention in Baramulla in north Kashmir, Abdullah said Pakistan had been raising the concerns of Kashmiris at various international forums. He argued that these efforts had contributed to keeping the situation in Jammu and Kashmir in the global spotlight.
“Pakistan is going to many places and talking about Kashmiris. That is why the people of Jammu and Kashmir are being saved. Otherwise, India’s intentions towards Kashmiris are not right,” Abdullah said.
His remarks come amid continuing political debates over governance, administrative powers and the rights of people in the Union Territory. During his address, the veteran National Conference leader also criticised the administration over delays in decisions concerning the health sector and the functioning of medical institutions.
Farooq Abdullah Raises Concerns Over Pending Health Sector Files
Abdullah alleged that files related to the health sector had remained pending in the office of Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha for more than a year. He questioned the delay in taking decisions on issues affecting medical professionals and healthcare institutions.
Referring to the service obligations of medical students, the NC president said students pursuing medical education in Jammu and Kashmir were required to serve for two years in hospitals. According to him, those who failed to fulfil the requirement had to pay a penalty of Rs 40 lakh.
He questioned why the matter had remained unresolved for such a long period and alleged that the relevant file had been awaiting a decision at the Lieutenant Governor’s Office.
The former chief minister also raised concerns about the decision-making powers of medical institutions. He said that, in the past, directors and committees of these institutions had greater authority to decide which medical equipment to procure and which doctors to appoint.
Abdullah alleged that the present administration had curtailed these powers, affecting the autonomy of institutions and their ability to make decisions according to their requirements.
His comments placed the health sector among the key issues raised during the party workers’ convention, alongside broader questions about the administration of Jammu and Kashmir and the role of elected representatives.
NC President Questions Loss of Autonomy
Abdullah also criticised what he described as the erosion of autonomy in Jammu and Kashmir. Referring to a conversation with the head of the present administration, he claimed that he had questioned the loss of autonomy and received an acknowledgement.
“I asked him that you have finished the autonomy, he admitted it on my face,” Abdullah said.
He subsequently questioned whether people could expect justice from the national capital, reflecting the National Conference leadership’s concerns about the distribution of administrative authority and decision-making powers in the Union Territory.
The NC president urged people to raise their voices for their rights and demonstrate courage when confronting issues affecting them.
“Have the courage to face them, if you don't, you will be wiped out,” he said, calling on people to remain firm in pursuing their demands.
Abdullah also stressed that the people of Jammu and Kashmir should not be viewed as enemies of the country. He said they wanted to progress alongside the nation and were prepared to make sacrifices for it, while urging those in positions of power to correct their approach.
“We will progress with the nation and we will also sacrifice for the nation, but I tell those who are in power today to correct themselves,” he said.
His remarks sought to underline the distinction between raising political and administrative grievances and opposing the country, with Abdullah maintaining that the people of Jammu and Kashmir wanted their concerns to be addressed.
Farooq Abdullah Appeals for Honesty Among NC Workers
During the convention, Abdullah also turned his attention to members of the National Conference, urging them to demonstrate sincerity and commitment to the party.
He said workers who had contributed to the organisation should remain honest in their political conduct and avoid allowing personal interests to influence their association with it.
“If you have really given your blood for this Jamaat (Party), then walk with it with honesty. Do not walk with dishonesty,” Abdullah said.
The veteran politician questioned whether some workers remained associated with the party only when it was in government. He asked members to consider whether their commitment would continue if the party no longer held power.
“Today there is a government, and you are with us. If you want to remain with this Jamaat, will you remain only as long as this government is there?” he asked.
Abdullah emphasised that the strength of a political organisation depended on the dedication and sincerity of its workers rather than merely on electoral victories or the formation of a government.
He called on party members to remain committed to the organisation’s principles, even during difficult political periods, and urged them not to allow fear or personal considerations to determine their conduct.
The message was directed at strengthening internal discipline and reinforcing the importance of loyalty to the party beyond the immediate advantages of holding office.
Abdullah Says He Is Accountable to Allah
Concluding his address, Abdullah said he believed in speaking honestly before the public and remained conscious of his moral and religious responsibilities.
He said his accountability was not limited to the people but extended to Allah, which, he suggested, gave him the conviction to express his views openly.
The address covered several contentious issues, including India’s approach towards Kashmiris, Pakistan’s international advocacy on Kashmir, delays in health sector decisions, the autonomy of medical institutions and the political commitment of National Conference workers.
Abdullah’s comments are likely to add to the ongoing political discussion surrounding governance and administrative authority in Jammu and Kashmir. His allegations regarding pending files and the curtailment of institutional powers were made during the party convention and were not independently established in the remarks provided.
The National Conference president reiterated his call for people to stand up for their rights while maintaining that the people of Jammu and Kashmir wanted to move forward with the country. He also urged party workers to uphold honesty and dedication, regardless of whether the organisation remained in power.
