Sheikh Abdullah was also included in the delegation that went to attend the meeting of the United Nations in 1949. While this delegation was returning, Sheikh gave an interview to the Daily Telegraph in London in which Sheikh publicly revealed his dream of making Kashmir an independent state for the first time.
Patel called Sheikh to Delhi and said that he was ready to withdraw the Indian Army from Kashmir if he wanted independence. Shaikh's face turned pale as he knew very well that Pakistan would take over the valley as soon as the Indian Army left Kashmir and Shaikh would have to spend the rest of his life in prison. After this incident, as long as Patel was alive, Sheikh did not open his mouth, but after the death of Patel on 15 December 1950, Sheikh resumed his divisive activities.