New Delhi (India) October 25: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) hit out at National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah for saying Pakistan has been protecting the people of Jammu and Kashmir for highlighting the Kashmir issue at the international level many times.

Abdullah said that it was because of Pakistan's diplomatic work that their message was resonating around the world.

Abdullah Praises Pakistan's Role

Addressing the workers' convention at Baramullah, Farooq Abdullah said the Kashmiris had an identity even now as the issue of Kashmir was being taken up by Pakistan at different international levels.

"They (the Indian state) are silent today due to pressure from the world. Our neighbour (Pakistan) goes everywhere and says that the Kashmir issue has not been resolved. They are protecting us. Otherwise, their (India's) intentions are not right," he said in Hindi.

"What can you expect from Delhi? Do you expect them to deliver justice for you? Have the courage to fight, or you will be wiped out, and your identity will disappear," he added.

Appeal To Unite Muslims

The leader appealed to Muslims across the country to come together and fight the BJP over the demolitions in states where the party is in power, claiming that the properties of the community were targeted in excess.

He wondered how Muslims could be followers of a political system which is responsible for the destruction of homes, businesses and mosques and appealed to Muslims to work together to protect their rights.

BJP Demands Public Apology

The comments by Abdullah drew a strong response from the BJP as the Jammu and Kashmir party unit chief Sat Sharma sought an apology from Farooq and stated that if he continued to make such comments, he can go to Pakistan.

"Farooq Abdullah needs to understand that he has the freedom to say whatever he wishes in this country. It is precisely because of this freedom that he is able to make such statements. Had you made these remarks in Pakistan, you might not have been spared," he said to news agency ANI.

"The BJP will not tolerate such conduct. He should publicly apologise to the people of India. Otherwise, I would say that Pakistan would be a better place for him, and he should go and settle there," Sharma added.

Congress Rejects Foreign Interference

The Congress said that Farooq could have also simply stated his personal opinion and that India would never allow any meddling into its domestic issues.

Kapil Singh, chief of J&K Pradesh Congress Committee said, "India's unity and integrity are not dependent on Pakistan or any other foreign country because we don't tolerate any interference in our internal matters."