Protests erupted in Jammu on Monday over National Conference (NC) chief Farooq Abdullah’s remarks about Pakistan, with BJP leaders and several organisations demanding an apology and, in some cases, his arrest.

The controversy began after Abdullah said in Baramulla that Pakistan was protecting Kashmiris. His comments drew sharp criticism from BJP leaders and various groups.

"If you don't keep it, you will be erased. Even our trace and identity will disappear. Nothing will be left. They are silent today because there is noise in the world, and our neighbour is constantly behind this. Everywhere they say, 'the decision regarding Kashmir has not been made'. That is what is saving us. Otherwise, their intentions are not good," Abdullah has said.

The Rashtriya Bajrang Dal, Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM), Dogra Front and National Anti-Terrorism Front (NATF) held demonstrations, raised slogans and burnt Abdullah’s effigies.

BJP Rajya Sabha MP Sat Sharma demanded an apology from Abdullah. "The Bharatiya Janata Party believes that he should apologise to the entire nation. Farooq Sahib should apologise to the 140 crore people of the country,” Sharma said. He added that Abdullah should consider living in Pakistan if he refuses to apologise.

BJP MLA Vikram Randhawa called the remarks anti-national and accused Abdullah of supporting a country that, he alleged, had promoted terrorism and unrest in Jammu and Kashmir. Former J&K BJP president Ravinder Raina also condemned the comments and questioned how Pakistan could be described as a well-wisher despite India's repeated accusations of cross-border terrorism. BJP leader Shakti Raj Parihar demanded an FIR on sedition charges and Abdullah’s arrest.

Congress leader Ravinder Sharma said Jammu and Kashmir was an integral part of India. Citing the Shimla Agreement, he said Pakistan had no right to raise the Kashmir issue outside the framework of bilateral engagement. He also referred to concerns over alleged denial of justice to minorities and reiterated the Congress's demand for restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.

NATF chairman Vishal Chopra also demanded an apology, saying Abdullah should recognise the responsibility attached to his position as a former chief minister.

Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party leader Vivek Bali sought an investigation and appropriate legal action if the remarks violated the law. He said public representatives must exercise caution on issues involving national security and sovereignty.

Meanwhile, the Jammu State Movement held an emergency meeting chaired by retired Brigadier Vijay Sagar Dhewan. It urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and other authorities to order an independent, time-bound investigation. The organisation also sought examination of possible action under the National Security Act, any legal proceedings against the National Conference and a review by the Election Commission under applicable election laws.