Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister and National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Saturday reiterated that “PoK belongs to Pakistan”, and asked, “How many more Pakistans will you create?”
His remark, an apparent dig at the BJP, is the latest in a series of controversial comments the veteran leader made in the recent past.
Addressing NC workers in Jammu Abdullah said that Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) was with Pakistan for the past 70 years and India and Pakistan have fought four wars, reiterating his earlier remarks on the issue that sparked controversy.
“What did I say? When did National Conference stop anyone from taking back PoK? Go and take it. They (Pakistan) are not wearing bangles. They also have atom bombs. Even PM (Prime Minister Narendra Modi) talked about maintaining sanctity along the Line of Control (LoC). Today, we are being intimidated by them. And, when did the NC ask for Azadi. We always asked for autonomy, which is within the purview of the Indian Constitution,” he said.
He also claimed the BJP government at the Centre was hell-bent on creating a Hindu-Muslim divide.
“Ye Hindustan tumhare baap ka nahi (This country does not belongs to your father). This country belongs to everyone, be it Hindu, Muslim, Sikh or Christian. They can choose their candidate, it’s their right,” he said and added that people of the country can’t be threatened to garner votes.
In this context, he went on to allege that some BJP leaders in Uttar Pradesh threatened Muslims of dire consequences if they don’t vote for them.
“If you think you will continue with your intimidating ways, do remember that this is how you made one Pakistan. Aur kitne Pakistan banaoge (How many Pakistans will you create). How many more pieces will you cut India into,” Abdullah said.