The Diplomat Desk
Srinagar,TDD,Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has raised concerns over the intentions of Engineer Rashid, questioning his release from jail while others in similar situations remain incarcerated.
Omar Abdullah, who was speaking in a rally in Jammu pointed out that people in North Kashmir are beginning to doubt Engineer Rashid’s motives and accuse him of double standards.
“On one hand, he talks about Hurriyat leaders, the Kashmir resolution, and other significant issues, but on the other, he issues tickets to individuals who are close to the BJP,” Omar said.
Omar also criticized Engineer Rashid for his ambiguous stance on aligning with the BJP. He quoted Rashid as saying that his doors are open to all, especially if the BJP needs support.
He further said that Engineer Rashid admitted in a media interview that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had invited him to Delhi in 2018. During the meeting, Modi reportedly sought Engineer Rashid’s help in abrogating Article 370, to which Rashid agreed, provided it was in Kashmir’s best interest.
“If Engineer Rashid knew in 2018 that Article 370 was going to be revoked, why didn’t he inform anyone? He remained silent, and on August 5, 2019, we were stripped of our rights,” Omar said.
He added while the central government’s conspiracy was thwarted in South and Central Kashmir, it is now North Kashmir’s responsibility to prevent such efforts from succeeding.—(TDD)
