The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday lambasted former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister and the ruling National Conference (NC) leader, Farooq Abdullah, over his remark on Pakistan, saying his statement amounts to an act of treason. Jammu and Kashmir BJP president Sat Sharma demanded Abdullah's apology, saying he speaks whatever he wishes because he lives in India.

Abdullah, while speaking at a party meet in Baramulla, created a political row after saying that Kashmiris' identity is safe because of the neighbour (Pakistan). He also expressed his doubts about the intention of the Centre.

ALSO READ: IAS Officer Under Fire For Hurling Abuses At JK Woman Official At Virtual Meet, Farooq Abdullah Demands Strict Action | Video

'It Protects Us': Abdullah referring to Pakistan

"What can you expect from Delhi? You must have the courage to stand up to them and fight. If you do not, you will be wiped out. Your name and identity will disappear, and no one will even remember you. Our neighbour (Pakistan) is constantly after them (the Government of India). It goes everywhere, saying that the Kashmir issue has not been resolved. It is protecting us; otherwise, their intentions are not good," he was heard saying at the event.

"They say one thing but do something entirely different. You must have the courage to stand by the truth. Speaking the truth is not easy, but unless you speak the truth and stand firm by it, your future will never be secure," Abdullah told the gathering.

BJP Hits Back At Abdullah

Reacting to Abdullah's statement about Pakistan, BJP leader Ravinder Raina said the statement is highly condemnable and unfortunate; in fact, Dr Farooq Abdullah has committed an act of treason.

ALSO READ: 'Whenever We Seek Statehood': Farooq Abdullah's Controversial Remarks On Kulgam Terror Attack Spark BJP's Criticism

"Pakistan is the killer of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Over the last 35 years, Pakistan has sought to turn Jammu and Kashmir into a graveyard and a cremation ground. This is the very same Pakistan that has fostered terrorism within Jammu and Kashmir, providing training, bombs, guns, pistols, ammunition, and grenades to terrorists," he said, asking how Pakistan could ever be a well-wisher to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.Another BJP leader, Altaf Thakur, also slammed Abdullah, saying this is an open rebellion against the country. His statement is against the unity and integrity of the country, Thakur said.

"The National Conference has always been anti-country. The statement made by Farooq Abdullah is completely an anti-country statement. Action should be taken against him," he added.

(With Agencies Inputs)