Bengaluru: National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah has reacted strongly to Pakistan foreign minister hailing the Gupkar Declaration. The declaration relates to six political parties of J&K passing a resolution to undo Abrogation of Article 370 and 35A. 

Abdullah said, "Pakistan has always abused mainstream political parties of Jammu and Kashmir but now suddenly they like us. Let me make it clear that we are not anyone's puppets, neither New Delhi's nor of anyone across the border. We are answerable to the people of Jammu and Kashmir and will work for them.” 

On the issue of armed men coming to J&K, he said, "I would urge Pakistan to stop sending armed men into Kashmir. We want an end to the bloodshed in our state. Our people are being killed on both sides of the Line of Control every time there are ceasefire violations. For God's sake bring a halt to that", he said. 

More on Gupkar Declaration

The six parties noted thus earlier this month: “We are committed to strive for the restoration of Articles 370 and 35A, the Constitution of J&K and the restoration of the state and any division of the state is unacceptable to us. We unanimously reiterate that there can be "nothing about us without us.” 

A joint statement was released in this regard by NC president Farooq Abdullah, PDP president Mehbooba Mufti, JKPCC chief GA Mir, CPI(M) leader MY Tarigami, JKPCC leader Sajad Gani Lone and ANC leader Muzaffar Shah said in a joint statement.

The Abrogation of Article 370 and 35A: 

It was on August 5 last year that the Narendra Modi-led Indian government abrogated the articles. The move was ratified by both houses of the Indian Parliament. 

The BJP had made its intentions clear in its poll manifesto about the abrogation, construction of Ram Mandir and UCC implementation.