'Why Do Killings Happen When We Demand Statehood?': Farooq Abdullah's Remark On Kulgam Terror Attack Triggers Row

Last Updated:August 01, 2026, 14:39 IST

Farooq Abdullah seeks probe into Kulgam terror attack, questions timing. Other ministers share concerns. BJP criticizes Abdullah's remarks.

Jammu and Kashmir’s former Chief Minister and President of National Conference Farooq Abdullah on Saturday called for an investigation into the Kulgam terror attack, which killed two migrant labourers from Chhattisgarh

He further questioned why such incidents occur whenever his party raises the demand for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood.

Speaking to reporters in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, Abdullah said, “I regret it. We do not even know who killed them and how they were killed. There should be an investigation, a fair probe into who the killers are."

The three-time chief minister also raised questions over the timing of such incidents in the Valley. “I don’t know why such incidents happen when we seek statehood," he said.

Other Ministers Raise Similar Concern 

Along with Abdullah, Cabinet minister Javed Rana and Jammu and Kashmir’s Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary also raised questions over the timing of the attack.

Rana claimed that some agencies don’t want restoration of statehood and they might have a hand in this killing. He demanded proper investigation into the matter.

Meanwhile, Choudhary said that there are some elements which don’t want restoration of statehood and that is why such killings are happening.

He said that Pakistan must be taken to task if it is involved in killings, but there is a need to fully investigate the killings happening in Jammu and Kashmir.

BJP Hits Back At Farooq Abdullah

Slamming Abdullah’s remarks, leader of the Opposition Sunil Sharma questioned whether the NC president is encouraging the terrorists.

Sharma said that the restoration of statehood is a matter which will be decided by the Parliament and it has no connection with terrorism.

He also alleged that whenever terrorists are punished, people like Farooq Abdullah claim that they are innocent.

Kulgam Terror Attack

On Friday evening, terrorists opened fire at a brick kiln in the Kelam area of Kulgam district, targeting migrant labourers from Chhattisgarh.

Two workers in their 20s, Deepak Ratray and Bopinder, were critically injured in the attack.

Ratray died before he could be shifted to a hospital, while Bopinder was taken to the Government Medical College (GMC) in Anantnag and later referred to the SKIMS Hospital in Srinagar’s Soura, where he succumbed to his injuries during treatment.

After the terrorist attack in Kulgam, a high alert has also been issued in the LoC district of Rajouri. Security forces have intensified security measures by setting up checkpoints along the highway as well as at all major entry points to the town.

Vehicles are being thoroughly checked, while security personnel are conducting frisking and questioning of people as part of the heightened security arrangements.

The attack comes less than 10 days after terrorists shot dead a police officer in Anantnag town, underscoring a renewed spell of violence in south Kashmir.

About the Author

Prisha Vibhavari

Prisha is the Chief Sub-Editor at News18.com, with more than 10 years of experience in national and international news. She specialises in editorial leadership, sharp news judgment, and high-impact st...Read More

News india 'Why Do Killings Happen When We Demand Statehood?': Farooq Abdullah's Remark On Kulgam Terror Attack Triggers Row

Read More