JAMMU, Oct 25: The Jammu State Movement (JSM) has strongly condemned alleged controversial remarks attributed to National Conference president and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Dr. Farooq Abdullah concerning Pakistan and Jammu and Kashmir, demanding an impartial investigation and appropriate legal action if any wrongdoing is established.
The demand was raised during an emergency meeting of the JSM Core Group held under the chairmanship of Retired Brigadier Vijay Sagar Dhewan at Upper Roop Nagar, Jammu. The meeting discussed the alleged remarks and their potential implications for national security, public sentiment and the political environment in Jammu and Kashmir.
The participants expressed concern over the possible impact of statements concerning Pakistan and terrorism, particularly on families affected by decades of violence, cross-border terrorism and displacement.
Those present included Atulya Bakshi, Pawan Manhas, Yesh Pal Manhas, Dr. Randeep Parihar, Master Ashok, Pawan Singh, Rajdev Singh, Narwar Lal, Raj Kumar, Sapna Hindu, Antu Kotwal, Sushma Sharma, Vivek Chauhan, Dr. Lokesh Bali, Ranjit Pathania, Vikram Mahajan and Rajinder Hindu, among others.
The Core Group appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and the concerned constitutional authorities to take cognisance of the matter and ensure a fair, independent and time-bound investigation.
The organisation maintained that no political leader or party should be beyond the reach of the Constitution and the law, asserting that public office and political influence must not shield anyone from lawful accountability.
The movement said the history of Jammu and Kashmir had been deeply affected by cross-border terrorism and violence, which had claimed innocent lives, resulted in sacrifices by security personnel and contributed to the displacement of the Kashmiri Pandit community.
It stressed that the suffering of terrorism-affected families, displaced Kashmiri Pandits and families of martyred security personnel must be treated with sensitivity and respect. Public representatives, it added, had a responsibility to exercise caution and accountability while making statements concerning Pakistan, terrorism and national security.
The JSM also called for a comprehensive and impartial examination of relevant public statements, activities and allegations concerning the National Conference.
It urged the Central Government and the Election Commission of India to examine the available material under the applicable constitutional and statutory framework. The organisation said that if sufficient legal grounds were established, the competent authorities should consider appropriate proceedings under the relevant laws.
It further requested the Election Commission to examine whether the party continued to fulfil the applicable requirements for recognition and whether any action was warranted under election laws.
The movement specifically called upon the competent authorities to examine whether the alleged remarks attributed to Dr. Farooq Abdullah met the legal requirements for action under the National Security Act (NSA).
The JSM demanded that preventive detention and other stringent measures be considered only if the evidence and applicable statutory provisions justified such action. It emphasised that any decision must follow due process and the prescribed legal safeguards.
Following the meeting, the Jammu State Movement outlined six key demands: a high-level and time-bound investigation into the alleged remarks; scrutiny of relevant activities and allegations concerning the National Conference; consideration of legal proceedings against the party if sufficient statutory grounds existed; examination of the party’s recognition under applicable election laws; assessment of whether action under the NSA was legally justified; and appropriate support, justice and dignity for terrorism-affected families, displaced Kashmiri Pandits and families of martyred security personnel.
The organisation reiterated its appeal to the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister to ensure that the matter was examined fairly and without political pressure or favouritism.
Emphasising the importance of democratic accountability, the JSM said freedom of expression and the right of political parties to function must be exercised responsibly within the constitutional framework.
The movement also reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing the political rights, identity and dignity of the Jammu region through democratic and constitutional means.
Concluding the meeting, the Core Group asserted that national interest must remain above political considerations and that the concerns of terrorism victims and the security of the country must not be overlooked. The organisation said it would continue to raise these issues through peaceful and constitutional means.