Kashmir integral part of India: Farooq Abdullah
By IANSMonday, August 30, 2010
KOLKATA - Union New and Renewable Energy Minister Farooq Abdullah Monday said Kashmir will remain an integral part of India and blamed Pakistan, without naming it, for fuelling unrest in the valley.
“Kashmir is an integral part of India and it will remain an integral part of India. People who are shouting azadi (independence) hardly know what azadi is all about. We have Armed Forces Special Powers Act (in force) at some places, not everywhere,” said the former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister.
“Some of the things have gone wrong, many young people have died. The number is 64. It is extremely tragic. This really upstages the whole thing,” said Abdullah, while addressing a seminar in Kolkata.
A total of 64 civilians have been killed in the valley in the wake of repeated clashes between security forces and civilians.
Abdullah is the senior-most leader of the ruling National Conference in Kashmir and his son Omar Abdullah is currently the chief minister of the trouble-torn state.
Attacking Pakistan, Abdullah said it has always been “fishing in troubled waters”.
“First it started with guns, bombs and blasts killing people of my party, Congress and of all other political parties that believe in India. This is a second path they have taken. None of these paths will succeed. I say these things from the depth of my heart. Do have faith in the people. As Bengal is an integral part of India so is Kashmir,” said Abdullah.
The valley, including Srinagar, has been on the boil since June 11 with protesters pelting stones at security forces and the clashes leaving 64 civilians dead.
