Srinagar
Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abdullah, on Wednesday, supported former Pakistan cricket captain Shahid Afridi, who had tweeted expressing anguish over the “appalling and worrisome” situation in the state.
Abdullah reacted to Afridi’s tweet saying, “Everybody has condemned the killings in Kashmir. Every nation is condemning the killing, the killing must stop.”
He said that “we are fighting for our rights while Government of India should restore the autonomy of Jammu and Kashmir.”
Talking to reporters at SKICC Srinagar, Dr Farooq Abdullah said that if Indian wants to restore the honour of people of Kashmir then it should restore the autonomy that Jammu and Kashmir once enjoyed.
“The situation in Kashmir is going from bad to worse. If such a situation persists, ever body in Kashmir will be ready to give ‘Shahdat’ (Martyrdom). They (Government Forces) kill innocents in Kashmir,” he said.
While accusing Indian media of unleashing negative propaganda, Farooq Abdullah said that these media houses should be stooped from maligning the image of Kashmir. “We are fighting for our rights but tourists are always welcome and they should visit here,” he said.
Urging upon India to initiate dialogue with Pakistan without any delay, Dr Farooq Abdullah said that war is not a solution and nothing will come out of animosity.
When asked PDP’s alliance partner BJP is against talks with Pakistan, Dr Farooq Abdullah said: “If PDP would have been in senses, it would have left the chair. But they have love for the chair,” he said. (CNS)
