New Delhi [India], April 17: Amid ongoing controversy surrounding his latest book The Chief Minister and the Spy, former RAW Chief Amarjit Singh Dulat firmly denied allegations that former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah supported the abrogation of Article 370. Dulat emphasized that Abdullah was deeply hurt by the move and had never been consulted by the Central government.
A seasoned IPS officer with extensive experience in Kashmir through his tenure in both the Intelligence Bureau and RAW, Dulat described his book as an appreciation of Abdullah’s leadership rather than a political commentary.
Addressing speculation over the status of his friendship with Farooq Abdullah, Dulat told ANI, “Friendships don’t break over frivolous remarks. This book is not about Article 370—it’s a tribute to Farooq Abdullah, the great man.” He added that he expects Abdullah to attend the book launch, saying, “If he doesn’t come, it will be his choice, but we spoke about 10–15 days ago, and he said he would.”
Recalling the events surrounding the abrogation of Article 370, Dulat said, “Dr. Sahab was heartbroken. It’s no secret that Farooq Sahib has always stood with Delhi—but Delhi has failed to understand him. The failure lies not with Farooq, but with Delhi.”
Dulat categorically denied that Abdullah ever supported the revocation of Article 370. “Two days before the announcement, Farooq Sahab, Omar Abdullah, and one of their MPs met with the Prime Minister. I don’t know what was discussed, and when I asked, I wasn’t told. Later, Farooq Sahab told me that the government should have taken them into confidence instead of placing them under house arrest. He has never backed the abrogation.”
He further clarified, “Nowhere in the book have I written that Farooq supported the move. That’s pure nonsense and a media fabrication. No one backed the abrogation, but the way it was done—without dialogue—was the real issue.”
Dulat reaffirmed the purpose of his book, saying, “This is not a gimmick to sell books. It’s a sincere tribute. If someone thinks it’s a publicity stunt, that’s their opinion—I have no problem.”
Praising Farooq Abdullah, Dulat added, “There’s no leader in Kashmir today who matches his stature, and there’s no greater nationalist. A National Conference-led government was the best thing to happen for Kashmir—it had a strong mandate and remains vital to the region’s progress. While other parties have a role, it is the Abdullah family that will lead Kashmir forward.”