Omar Faces Backlash Over Security Remarks on Mirwaiz

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir’s Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has come under heavy criticism for his statement linking the security cover provided to Mirwaiz Umar Farooq with the diminishing influence of separatist ideology in the region.

The office of Mirwaiz Umar Farooq dismissed the remarks as baseless. In a post on X, Mirwaiz’s office stated, “Mr. @OmarAbdullah, who holds a position of responsibility and is expected to speak rationally, has made an illogical comment about the security assigned to Mirwaiz Umar Farooq. He is well aware of the circumstances, yet his statement is deeply regrettable and highly inappropriate. Such reckless remarks reflect his insecurities and add to the growing disillusionment of the already oppressed population regarding his views.”

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Speaking to a national news channel, CM Omar Abdullah asserted that separatist activities in Jammu and Kashmir have declined significantly since the revocation of Article 370. He remarked that it was once unimaginable for Mirwaiz Umar Farooq to be granted CRPF protection.

Following his statement, a political storm erupted between the ruling National Conference (NC) and opposition parties. The opposition accused Abdullah of backtracking on promises made to the people in last year’s elections. Meanwhile, senior NC leaders defended their leader, criticizing the opposition for “making baseless allegations.”

Waheed Para, a PDP legislator from Pulwama, reacted strongly on social media, suggesting that the absence of separatist activities in J&K was due to stringent laws such as UAPA, PSA, NIA investigations, property seizures, and other restrictive measures.

Addressing Omar Abdullah on X, Para wrote, “Dear @OmarAbdullah Sahab, if you are now endorsing peace, acknowledge that Kashmir’s current calm is enforced through UAPA, PSA, NIA raids, home attachments, mass profiling, and arrests under strict laws. The dismissal of employees under Section 311 also plays a role.”

He went on to say, “This stance is a complete departure from your election promises. Your latest statement is nothing but an endorsement of a hardline approach against Kashmiris.”

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Para also questioned the narrative surrounding Mirwaiz Umar Farooq’s security, stating, “The reason for his security detail is not protection but increased vulnerability. Targeting him in statements only heightens the risk he faces, despite his family already suffering tragic losses. Hundreds of sites, including cemeteries, shrines, and mosques, are guarded by JKP and CRPF—so why single out Mirwaiz?”

Peoples’ Conference chairman Sajad Gani Lone also took aim at Omar Abdullah, accusing him of contradicting himself. “I may have several political disagreements with Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, but the fact remains—his father was assassinated. My father was assassinated too, on the same date, while attending an event in memory of Mirwaiz Mohammed Farooq,” he wrote on X.

Lone further alleged that Omar Abdullah’s father, while serving as Chief Minister, failed to provide security to his father despite intelligence warnings of an impending attack. “Even when I sought security to attend my father’s funeral, it was denied,” Lone claimed.

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He went on to criticize Abdullah’s remarks on Mirwaiz’s security, saying, “Your words are dangerous. In the past three decades, we have seen how such statements translate into real threats. You have always had one of the highest security covers in India, yet you make comments that escalate risks for others. This is not just loose talk—it’s reckless, irresponsible, and shameful.”

Meanwhile, the National Conference defended Abdullah, arguing that parts of his interview had been taken out of context to stir unnecessary controversy.

“The opposition is trying to create a false narrative,” a senior NC leader told The New Indian, further pointing out that the PDP had itself allowed the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to expand its operations in the region during its tenure.

Later, the NC shared a clip from Abdullah’s interview, emphasizing that his comments were centered around Article 370 and its significance for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, countering opposition claims of a policy shift.