In the controversial claim in the new book, it is said that Farooq has not been written to support the repeal of Article 370.

Archives of AS Dulat, former director of the Wing Research and Analysis | Image Source: VV Krishnan

Amid controversy of his new book Chief Minister and Spy”, former Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) Chief Amarjit Singh Dulat, dismissed the claim on Thursday (17 April 2025) that former Jamu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah supported the abolition of Article 370 and stressed that the leader was deeply distressed by the action and had never been confident in the center.

Mr Dulat is a former IPS official who serves both the Intelligence Agency and the RAW and has long-term experience in Kashmir.

Speech Anni Regarding whether his friendship with Mr. Abdullah was affected, Dulat stressed: “Friendship is not because someone said something light.

“I believe he will definitely be in the release of the book tomorrow. If he doesn’t come, it will be his own decision, but I’ve talked to him 10-15 days ago and he said he will come.”

‘heartbroken’

The former RAW chief recalled that when Article 370 was abolished, “Dr. Sahab” (Dr. Farooq Abdullah) was heartbroken about what happened to them.

“Farooq Sahab has been known to have said many times that he stood with Delhi, but there is always – but Delhi cannot understand Dr. Sahab. This mistake is not on Farooq, which is not understood by Delhi.”

Furthermore, when asked whether the claim of the head of the National Conference was true to support the abolition of Article 370, Mr. Durat said that Mr. Abdullah never supported them.

Two days before the announcement of the abolition, Dr. Sahaha, Omar Abdullah met with one of their MPs with the Prime Minister. I don’t know what’s being discussed there. I didn’t even ask them. But, I didn’t even tell me anything. Afterwards, Farooq Sahab told me that if the government wants to do this, then they should be relieved, but they are turned away.

Mr Dulat added: “In the book, I have not written Farooq supports Article 370. It’s nonsense, just a media stunt. No one supports abolishing, but the way this can be done differently – through dialogue.”

Thanks, not criticism

The former original chief asserted that his book was an appreciation of Farooq Abdullah, not a criticism.

He said: “If someone says I pulled a cheap stunt to sell my book, that’s great. I have no objection.”

Praise former J&K Chief Minister Mr Dulat said: “There is no leader in Kashmir who is half of the Farouk Saha people, and there is no nationalist greater than him.”

“This government consisting of a national conference – Kashmir has nothing more positive than that. It is sent to power with a secondary majority. Only the national conference can make Kashmir move forward. It is a family that will lead this leadership. Other political parties also play a role.”