Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President Farooq Abdullah. File
| Photo Credit: PTI
National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah on Friday (May 22, 2026) said the elected government has no role in the ongoing demolitions in Jammu. Meanwhile, BJP Rajya Sabha member Gulam Ali Khatana accused the NC-Congress of pursuing anti-Gujjar policies in Jammu and Kashmir.
“The elected government has nothing to do with demolitions in Jammu. Houses belonging to Muslims are being demolished in Jammu and other parts of the region. It is their scheme. An investigation has been launched into such actions,” Mr. Abdullah said.
He said Gujjars and Bakerwals have played a key role in guarding the borders in J&K. “They have ensured the safety of the region by preventing infiltration along the borders,” he added.
Mr. Abdullah also accused the Opposition People’s Democratic Party of facilitating the BJP’s entry into the region and the subsequent abrogation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status.
Meanwhile, Mr. Khatana criticised the NC and the Congress over their treatment of Gujjar and Pahari communities.
“Both parties pursued anti-Gujjar and anti-Pahari politics for decades, denying these communities development, settlement rights and welfare benefits. Gujjar and Pahari communities have played a crucial role in strengthening national unity, protecting border areas and promoting communal harmony, yet their concerns were ignored by previous governments,” he said.
Mr. Khatana said the Narendra Modi-led Union government has taken “historic decisions” for the empowerment, education and socio-economic uplift of Gujjar and Pahari communities in J&K. He urged people to reject divisive politics and support development and social justice.
Published – May 23, 2026 02:49 am IST
