National Congress defends Farooq, says speech not seditious

On Monday, the National Conference defended its president Dr Farooq Abdullah's speech praising Pakistan's diplomatic efforts on Kashmir, rejecting accusations of sedition. NC spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq asserted that the full speech needed to be listened to, as it highlighted Pakistan's role in destroying Jammu & Kashmir and the NC's fight against raiders in 1947.

Sadiq stated that 99% of people commenting on the speech had not heard it in its entirety, and that the BJP was taking excerpts of the speech out of context for political gain. He emphasized that no one could question the NC's patriotism, noting that hundreds of party workers had been killed by terrorists. Abdullah had previously claimed that Pakistan had "saved" Kashmiris by keeping the issue alive at international forums, warning that those who left the NC would have their identity erased.