Did not write that Farooq supported Article 370 abrogation, says former RAW chief Dulat amid controversial claims in new book

Former RAW chief dismisses claims of Farooq Abdullah supporting Article 370 abrogation in controversial new book.

Amid a controversy over his new book The Chief Minister and the Spy’, former Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) chief Amarjit Singh Dulat, on Thursday (April 17, 2025) dismissed claims that former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah supported the abrogation of Article 370, stressing that the leader was deeply pained by the move and was never taken into confidence by the Centre.

Mr. Dulat is a former IPS officer who served both the Intelligence Bureau and RAW and has long experience working in Kashmir.

Speaking to ANI on whether his and Mr. Abdullah’s friendship has been impacted, Mr. Dulat emphasised, “Friendships don’t end just because someone said something frivolous. This book is not about Article 370; rather, it’s an appreciation of Farooq Abdullah, the great man.”

“I am confident that he will definitely attend the book launch tomorrow. If he doesn’t come, it will be his own decision, but I had spoken to him about 10-15 days ago, and he had said that he would come,” Mr. Dulat said.

The former RAW Chief recalled that when Article 370 was abrogated, “Dr Sahab” (Farooq Abdullah) was heartbroken over what had happened to them.

“It’s well known that Farooq Sahab has said multiple times that he has stood with Delhi and always has — but it is Delhi that hasn’t been able to understand Dr. Sahab. The fault doesn’t lie with Farooq, it lies with Delhi for failing to understand him,” Mr. Dulat said.

Further, when asked whether the National Conference Chief’s claims backing the abrogation of Article 370 are true, Mr. Dulat said that Mr. Abdullah never supported them.