SRINAGAR: Opposition National Conference (NC) on Friday termed Indian Army Chief, General Bipin Rawat’s statement regarding Kashmir as ‘misleading and provocative’.
Talking to reporters at Nawai-Subh party headquarters here, NC General Secretary, Ali Mohammad Sagar said Army Chief’s assertions are aimed at threatening ‘peace loving’ people of Kashmir.
“Kashmir is a political issue and dialogue is the only way-out to address it. Army Chief’s statement is provoking and misleading, he is threatening people of Kashmir,” said Sagar who was however quick to add that this is my personal opinion rest what is wrong and what is right God knows better”.
The NC leader further claimed that Rawat by issuing assertive statement has treated every peace loving Kashmiri as a militant. “He treated every Kashmiri as militant his statement is like that. This statement does not suit to one who holds post of army chief,”
Pertinently, Army Chief General Bipin Rawat in an interview with a National daily had said that Kashmiri youth should understand that ‘Azaadi’ is not possible.
“I want to tell Kashmiri youth that Azadi cannot happen. Don’t get carried away unnecessarily. Why are you picking up weapons? We will always fight those who seek Azadi, those who want to secede. (Azadi) is not going to happen, never”, General Bipin Rawat was quoted as saying
Regarding Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti’s offer to centre for Ramadan truce, Sagar said, “The basic difference which is visible between coalition parterres forced newly elected Deputy Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir to oppose CM’s offer.”
“It’s unfortunate that Deputy CM rejected CM’s truce offer, on what basis does this government is running what is the fun of being in coalition. This is the prerogative of Prime Minister or Chief Minister to talk to the Chief Minister vis-à-vis truce offer,” he added.
