Elected government has no role in Jammu demolitions, says Farooq Abdullah

National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah on Friday, May 22, 2026, said that the elected government has no role in the ongoing demolitions in Jammu. Meanwhile, BJP Rajya Sabha member Gulam Ali Khatana accused the NC Congress of pursuing anti-Gujjar policies in Jammu and Kashmir.

Mr. Abdullah said, “The elected government has nothing to do with the demolitions in Jammu. Houses belonging to Muslims are being demolished in Jammu and other parts of the region. This is their plan. An investigation has been launched into such actions.”

He said Gujjars and Bakerwals played a key role in protecting the borders in J&K. “They ensured the security of the region by preventing infiltration of the borders,” he said.

Mr Abdullah also accused the opposition People’s Democratic Party of facilitating the entry of the BJP into the region and subsequently removing the special status of Jammu and Kashmir.

Meanwhile, Mr. Khatana criticized the NC and Congress for their treatment of Gujjar and Pahari communities.

“Both parties have pursued anti-Gujjar and anti-Pahari policies for decades, denying development, settlement rights and welfare benefits to these communities. Gujjar and Pahari communities have played a crucial role in strengthening national unity, protecting border areas and promoting social harmony, but their concerns were ignored by previous governments,” he said.

Mr. Khatana said the Union government led by Narendra Modi has taken “historic decisions” for the empowerment, education and socio-economic development of Gujjar and Pahari communities in J&K. He called on people to reject divisive policies and support development and social justice.