National Conference (NC) president Dr Farooq Abdullah has strongly defended his party’s historic stance in Jammu and Kashmir, saying it has “faced bullets for India” and is prepared to do so again if necessary, while rejecting recent calls to fragment the region further. Abdullah’s remarks came during a party event where he responded to political debates over internal administrative divisions and regional unity. (Rising Kashmir)
Addressing reporters, Abdullah dismissed allegations by political rivals that the NC seeks to destabilise the region. He reiterated that the party has always stood with India and stressed its willingness to make sacrifices in support of national unity. Responding to proposals by some leaders to grant separate divisional status to areas such as Pir Panjal and Chenab Valley, he characterised such demands as attempts to divide Jammu and Kashmir — a move he and his party oppose. (Rising Kashmir)
Abdullah also spoke about Ladakh’s separation from Jammu and Kashmir in 2019, stating that his party never supported the Union Territory’s creation and believes it should be reunited with the rest of the region, asserting that many people there would welcome reunification. Regarding the idea of carving out additional districts or divisions within the Union Territory, he said the existing administrative structure already has enough districts and that further subdivision is unnecessary. (Rising Kashmir)
The NC leader’s comments reflect ongoing political debates in Jammu and Kashmir over the region’s governance and administrative future. His rejection of further division highlights the party’s emphasis on regional unity and its appeal to historical bonds with the Indian Union. (Rising Kashmir)
