Farooq Abdullah Warns Centre’s Force In Ladakh Could Ignite Disaster

National Conference president and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah issued a stern warning to the central government against using force to quell unrest in Ladakh, following violent clashes that resulted in four protester deaths and 90 injuries. Speaking in Srinagar, Abdullah attributed the civilian unrest to unfulfilled promises made after the 2019 abrogation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories—J&K and Ladakh. He rejected claims that the Congress party or climate activist Sonam Wangchuk instigated the violence, emphasizing that the protests reflect the genuine grievances of Ladakh’s people.

Abdullah highlighted the region’s strategic sensitivity, noting, “Ladakh is a sensitive area. China has not accepted the McMahon Line. The government should address real issues instead of silencing people.” He criticized the government for failing to deliver on commitments like statehood, delimitation, and elections, which he said fueled the unrest. The violence erupted after youth abandoned the non-violent protest methods advocated by Wangchuk, resorting to stone-pelting and arson. Abdullah dismissed allegations against Wangchuk, warning that ongoing CBI inquiries and heavy-handed tactics, including a police crackdown with 50 arrests in Leh, could escalate tensions further. “If they use agencies and force, the situation has exploded. Start talks and come to a conclusion,” he urged.

The police have registered an FIR against Congress councillor Phuntsog Stanzin Tsepag of the Leh Hill Council, though it remains unclear if he is among those detained. The Centre has pointed to Wangchuk’s “provocative speeches” as a trigger for the violence, a claim Abdullah refuted, asserting, “Congress doesn’t have a large footprint. This is the voice of the people.” His call for dialogue underscores the need for a resolution that addresses Ladakh’s demands for statehood and greater autonomy, amid rising tensions in a geopolitically critical region.

Also Read: NDRF-Army Joint Effort: Helicopters and Boats Rescue 53 in Maharashtra Flood Disaster

Abdullah’s remarks highlight a broader discontent with the central government’s policies in Ladakh, where broken promises have sparked public outrage. As the region grapples with the aftermath of violence, his plea for negotiation over force signals an urgent need for constructive engagement to restore stability and trust.

Also Read: PM Modi Names New Members to Strengthen India’s Disaster Management