Article 370 was meant to protect the land of Dogras: Dr. Farooq Abdullah

Nobody can dictate the Omer-led government

Jammu, January 22 (STC): Taking a leaf from the history of Kashmir with particular reference to Article 370, Jammu and Kashmir former Chief Minister and National Conference president, Dr Farooq Abdullah on Wednesday stated that Maharajas had come up with Article 370 provision in 1927 to protect the land of Dogras.
Addressing workers in Jammu, Farooq Abdullah, as per reports, said, “There were apprehensions that Punjab residents will settle in Jammu and Kashmir, thus Article 370 was brought in a century ago to protect the land of Dogras.”
“Article 370 was not brought for Kashmiris, but for Dogras. Nobody would come to Kashmir as they were afraid of Muslims,” he said.
He added that a propaganda is being created that Hindus are in danger, but the fact is nobody can threaten 80 per cent population.

“There is no threat from outside the country. But India at present is facing internal threats,” he said.
Dr Farooq took a dig at the Peoples Democratic Party, stating that it was late Mufti Mohammad Sayeed who formed the coalition government and brought the Bharatiya Janta Party to Jammu and Kashmir.
“We (NC), Congress and other parties had approached him with our support, but he refused and formed the coalition government with the BJP. The party should introspect and look within what it has done,” he said.
Commenting on Omar Abdullah-led government, he said the government is committed to work for the welfare of the people.
He added that nobody can dictate the present dispensation.
(STC)