Omar Abdullah asks Pakistan to stop interfering in J&K, focus on human rights in PoK

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday dismissed Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's criticism of the abrogation of Article 370, saying Pakistan should stop interfering in India's internal affairs and instead address human rights violations in the territory under its control.

Abdullah was responding to statements by Pakistani leaders, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, who marked August 5 as "Youm-e-Istehsal" (Day of Exploitation) – the anniversary of India's 2019 decision to revoke the special status of Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 of the Indian Constitution.

"But aren't they the ones committing human rights violations in the part of Jammu and Kashmir that is under their occupation? They are the ones violating human rights there, aren't they? So many people have been killed in recent days," Abdullah said in response to a question about the Pakistani leadership's remarks.

He asserted that the abrogation of Article 370 is an internal matter of India and has nothing to do with Pakistan. "We have our own dispute over the August 5 decision, but that is our internal matter. Pakistan has nothing to do with it. They should stop interfering in these matters because the more they interfere, the weaker our case becomes," he added.

The Chief Minister accused Pakistan of turning a blind eye to the situation in Pakistan-administered Kashmir (PoK), alleging that serious human rights violations are taking place there. "Human rights violations are taking place in the part of Jammu and Kashmir under Pakistan's occupation. They should address those issues, stop the killings allegedly being carried out by their Rangers and improve the condition of the people there," he said.

Abdullah emphasised that the internal issues of Jammu and Kashmir would be resolved within India's democratic and constitutional framework. "As for our side, whatever we have to achieve through our own efforts, we will do ourselves. But they should not interfere in our affairs," he stated.

The context: On August 5, 2019, the Indian government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, announced the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A, which granted special autonomy and separate civil and criminal laws to Jammu and Kashmir. The state was subsequently bifurcated into two Union Territories – Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. India has consistently maintained that the decision was taken to ensure the full integration of the region and to promote development and governance. Pakistan, which claims the region, has repeatedly objected to the move at international forums, terming it a unilateral change to the disputed territory's status.

In Pakistan-administered Kashmir, various human rights organisations and media reports have documented concerns including restrictions on political freedoms, allegations of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings, and limited press freedom. Islamabad, however, denies these allegations, stating that it ensures the rights of all citizens, including those in the region.

Omar Abdullah is the first Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir after the restoration of the legislative assembly in 2024, following elections held after the Supreme Court upheld the abrogation but directed that statehood be restored. His remarks reflect the official Indian position that Pakistan's criticism is an unwarranted interference in India's domestic affairs.

The exchange comes amid ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan, with both countries maintaining a fragile ceasefire along the Line of Control since 2021. India has repeatedly said that peace and normalcy in the region depend on Pakistan ceasing cross-border terrorism and creating a conducive atmosphere for dialogue. Pakistan, in turn, has called for dialogue on all outstanding issues, including Kashmir.

Observers note that Abdullah's statement, while framing the issue as an internal matter, also signals a nuanced approach by the current J&K administration – acknowledging internal disagreements with the 2019 decision while firmly opposing any external interference.