Jammu and Kashmir politics: Mufti stands by his remark on Pakistan

PDP chief’s daughter calls for peace in the region


News Desk March 03, 2015
PDP chief’s daughter calls for peace in the region. PHOTO: AFP

Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed on Monday said he stands by his statement on violence-free polls in the state.

Reacting to the controversy about his comment, he said, “I’ve said what I’ve said and I stand by that. The media is making a mountain out of a molehill.”

The 79-year-old, on Sunday, credited Pakistan and Kashmiri separatist leaders for the successful elections in the disputed Himalayan state.

“I want to say on record and I have told this to the prime minister, that we must credit the Hurriyat, Pakistan and militant outfits for the conduct of assembly elections in the state,” Indian media outlets reported.

Peoples Democratic Party president and Sayeed’s daughter, Mehbooba Mufti on Monday said she stood by her father’s remarks.  Defending the remarks, she told NDTV in an exclusive interview, “We need to build stakes for Pakistan and Hurriyat in our peace process. If separatists and militants are stepping back from violence we should encourage them.”

The BJP and Sayeed’s party, both ideological opposites, came together to form government in the valley after difficult negotiations to bridge differences that have divided them for decades.

The government in New Delhi dissociated itself from the controversial remarks of its newest ally.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 3rd, 2015.

COMMENTS (3)

p r sharma | 9 years ago | Reply By this statement it is confirmed by PDP leader and Chief Minister of J& K that Pakistan was / still is directly involved in disturbing earlier election, peace , stability and by its extension economic progress of the state i.e. Jammu & Kashmir. Pakistan and separatist leaders of Hurriyat should claim or deny for it.
zara haq | 9 years ago | Reply @Bewildered: But bjp seems to be dreaming of sweeping parliament in future and then bolish 370.
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