J&K CM Omar Abdullah shared his ‘Indian sentiments’ during a conversation with BBC presenter Stephen Sackur, drawing applause for almost every word. Karan Bhardwaj reports
It definitely comes as a surprise when a politician draws applause for every second sentence he speaks. It was neither an alluring political speech (election season is in full swing) nor a seasoned address to any constituency. BBC presenter Stephen Sackur was in conversation with J&K CM Omar Abdullah. Abdullah earned accolades for his clear thoughts on the integrity of India.
“J&K is very much part of India. We have complaints, disagreements over issues, but like any other citizen, we have a right to express and discuss them. That doesn’t mean we want to break ties with India,” clarified Abdullah on his strong statements he made last year while questioning the alleged atrocities of Indian army in the region. However, he patted the back of the armed forces in their efforts for bringing normalcy in the Valley. “They have done a stellar job in difficult circumstances. I appreciate the relentless efforts by the army to keep militants at bay and cooperating for peace efforts. There are cases when army men have come under scanner for misusing their powers, and I am glad that army itself is taking action against them. I don’t expect things to change overnight but gradually it is happening. Court-martials are taking action on such cases, it is just that media don’t report them,” he said.
Abdullah, son of Farooq Abdullah, who himself was chief minister of the state for several years, held Valley men in high spirits. According to him, the locals are no more engaged in militancy and the perpetrators come from different nationalities. He also denied quantifying the separatists. “How can I know the number of people wanting separation from IndiaIJ It depends on the circumstances. When the situation is normal, more and more people want to remain here. But I can assure that the present and future of the valley is better with India than any other nation,” he said.
He further blamed Pak to export terror. “They don’t want a cordial settlement. We have enough evidences to prove they support militancy. We don’t have an ammunition factory in the state but they come from across the borders,” he said.
There are speculations that once US withdraw forces from Afghanistan this year, militants may move towards Jammu and Kashmir in a big way. “No, I don’t think so. With all the intelligence inputs and reports that I have, I think we just need to be cautious. But that prediction won’t get right,” he said.