Farooq Abdullah’s Call to Capture, Not Kill, Terrorists Sparks Political Controversy

National Conference (NC) leader and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah ignited a political row on Saturday by suggesting that terrorists should be captured instead of killed, to reveal the masterminds behind the recent wave of attacks in Jammu and Kashmir. Abdullah argued that interrogating captured terrorists could uncover deeper networks responsible for these attacks.

He further urged an investigation into the recent Budgam terror attack, expressing suspicion about whether certain actors might be attempting to destabilize the government in Jammu and Kashmir. “If terrorists are captured, we will know who is orchestrating these attacks,” Abdullah said, as quoted by ANI. He also questioned whether an agency might be trying to disrupt the stability under the current government led by Omar Abdullah.

When asked if Pakistan should be held accountable for these attacks, including the Budgam incident, Abdullah responded, “There should be an investigation into this,” refraining from directly pointing to Pakistan.

Sharad Pawar and BJP Respond

Sharad Pawar, NCP-SCP chief, voiced support for Abdullah’s stance, emphasizing the importance of the central government considering his statement seriously. “Farooq Abdullah is a respected leader with a lifetime of service to the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” Pawar noted, suggesting the home ministry examine his concerns.

However, Jammu and Kashmir BJP President Ravinder Raina criticized Abdullah’s comments, asserting that it is well-known terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir originates from Pakistan. Raina called for unified support for India’s security forces, emphasizing the need to stand together against terrorism.

Background on Budgam Attack

The recent Budgam attack injured two laborers from Uttar Pradesh, who were shot by terrorists in the Mazhama area of Magam. This incident marked the fifth terror attack in the region since the formation of the new government in Jammu and Kashmir last month.

Condemnations poured in from leaders across the political spectrum. NC President Omar Abdullah and Farooq Abdullah condemned the incident, while Congress’s Jammu and Kashmir Chief Tariq Hameed Karra called it “unfortunate” and prayed for the laborers’ speedy recovery. Apni Party President Altaf Bukhari condemned the attack, calling it a “cowardly” act.

Escalating Terror Attacks Since October

This incident follows a series of recent terrorist attacks in the region. On October 24, two soldiers and two Army porters were killed in an ambush near Gulmarg. Earlier in Pulwama, a laborer from Uttar Pradesh was injured in a shooting, and on October 20, terrorists killed a local doctor and six laborers at a tunnel construction site in Ganderbal.

These incidents highlight an alarming rise in terror activities, raising security concerns across Jammu and Kashmir and sparking an ongoing debate about how best to address the issue.