Srinagar, Apr 16: People’s Conference (PC) chairman Sajad Lone on Wednesday reacted sharply to a revelation made by former RAW chief A S Dulat in his upcoming book, in which he claims that National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah privately supported the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019.
In a detailed post on social media platform X, Lone said the revelation carries weight given Dulat’s longstanding proximity to the NC patriarch. “Dullat sahib has revealed in his upcoming book that Farooq Sahib privately supported the abrogation of Article 370. Coming from Dullat sahib makes this revelation very credible. Dullat sahib is the closest ally of and friend of Farooq sahib. Virtually his alter ego,” Lone posted.
Referring to Dulat as “the famed Uncle of the infamous Uncles and Aunties Brigade of Delhi”, the PC chief took a dig at what he described as the elite policy circles that often shape Kashmir narratives from the capital.
He anticipated that the National Conference would reject the claims, stating: “Of course NC will deny it. Call it yet another conspiracy against NC. They have perfected playing the victim card.”
Mocking the alleged covert understanding between NC and BJP, Lone claimed NC MLAs often privately engage with BJP leaders despite public opposition. “Their MLAs will privately visit LOP Sunil Sharma and tell him that they are brothers separated at the Kumbh Mela,” he wrote, adding, “The theatre they enact in Assembly and outside is in national interest.”
MLA Handwara referred to the August 4, 2019, meeting between Dr Farooq Abdullah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi ahead of the abrogation move. “I can visualise Farooq sahib saying — Humey roney deejiye— Aap apna kaam karein— hum aap kay Saath hain,” he wrote.
Concluding his post with a veiled political swipe, Lone said: “It now seems 2024 was a prize for services rendered in 2019. Of course in national interest.” (KNS)
