Omar Abdullah Hits Back at Pakistan, Slams PDP as Political Tempers Rise in J&K

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday delivered a sharp rebuttal to Pakistan Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, urging him to “correct the situation” in Pakistan‑occupied areas of Jammu and Kashmir instead of commenting on India’s internal matters.

Abdullah said Pakistan’s interference only weakens Kashmir’s case and distracts from the human rights violations occurring under Islamabad’s control. He stressed that the events of August 5, 2019—when Article 370 was abrogated—remain India’s domestic issue and should not be exploited by Pakistan for political messaging.

Sharif had earlier posted on ‘X’ marking the seventh anniversary of the abrogation, accusing India of demographic engineering, suppressing Kashmiri identity, and violating international law. His remarks reignited political debate in the region, prompting Abdullah to assert that Pakistan should “stop killing civilians by Rangers” and “focus on the areas under their control.”

While speaking to reporters in Jammu, Abdullah said, "Human rights violations are taking place in Pakistan occupied Jammu and Kashmir. They are doing human rights violations. They have killed many people in the recent past. Our opposition concerning August 5 is an internal matter... it has nothing to do with Pakistan, and they should stop interfering in it. The more they interfere, the weaker our case becomes. They should instead focus on correcting the situation in the areas under their control, stop human rights violations and stop the killing of civilians by Rangers. They should not interfere in our things."

Pakistan Prime Minister had in his August 5 ‘X’ post said that actions in J&K remain illegal and cannot change its disputed status. He argued that heavy militarisation and restrictive laws are enabling demographic changes and suppressing Kashmiri identity. He rejected India’s development claims, insisting the people’s right to a UN‑mandated plebiscite is paramount. He further stated that Pakistan reaffirms support for Kashmiris and urges India to reverse its measures, end rights violations, and work toward a peaceful settlement aligned with UN resolutions and Kashmiri aspirations.

Abdullah also intensified his criticism of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), accusing it of engaging in “cheap publicity stunts” and alleging a “fixed match” between the party and certain agencies. He argued that agencies routinely come to the PDP’s rescue whenever its credibility suffers, especially after PDP president Mehbooba Mufti’s controversial “banta hai” remark on pellet guns resurfaced. Mufti’s comments at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar—where she said pellet gun use in Kashmir “makes some sense (banta hai)” due to militant presence—triggered widespread outrage. Critics accused her of justifying the severe injuries inflicted on civilians during the 2016 unrest under her administration.

The controversy deepened after Mufti’s daughter, Iltija Mufti, became embroiled in a separate incident that led to the registration of an FIR against her. The FIR which reportedly also mentions Mehbooba Mufti’s name was registered under sections related to voluntarily causing hurt and wrongful restraint. Police have alleged that during a protest outside the PDP headquarters near Sher‑i‑Kashmir Park on Srinagar’s Residency Road on August 4 night, Iltija physically assaulted a male police officer performing his lawful duties. She is also accused of grabbing him and biting his forearm, causing a bleeding injury. The officer was taken to a hospital where he received wound care, tetanus prophylaxis, vaccination and other preventive treatment as per medical protocol, the police said on Thursday.

Iltija appeared before the police at Srinagar’s Kothibagh Police Station on Friday, where she was questioned regarding the allegations. Abdullah seized on the episode, remarking that Iltija “is not a five‑year‑old child who would bite someone,” suggesting the PDP was attempting to manipulate public perception.

Amid the political turbulence, Abdullah welcomed RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s statement that criticism of the government should not be equated with being anti‑national. He said dissent often helps correct mistakes, citing the NEET examination controversy as an example where public pressure led to corrective action.