Abdullah terms Musharaf's assertions on LeT as tragic moment

While condemning former Pakistan president Pervez Musharraf over his statement in support of Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT), The opposition National Conference (NC) president and former Union Minister Farooq Abdullah on Wednesday termed it 'a tragic moment.'

"I feel sad that a man of his (Musharaf's) integrity, who has been the chief of the Pakistan Army as well as the president, has praised something like this. It is a tragic moment," Abdullah told reporters in Srinagar.

"Any terrorist outfit is going to destroy not only their country, but every other country where terrorism is being promoted. I'm sorry if the ex-president of Pakistan thinks the LeT was going to protect Islam," he added.

Abdullah also clarified his recent remark on the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), saying he didn't make controversies, "and just stated facts which people didn't like."

"Ask the government of India, which everyday announces that peace has returned to Kashmir because they demonetised the currency. Where is that peace? If there was peace then so many people wouldn't have died. If we are at peace, it's just because of the soldiers, who are fighting at the borders. You all have got the phobia of Pakistan; get rid of it," the NC chief said.

Earlier, he had said, "They are talking of raising flag at PoK. I ask them, first you go and raise the tri-colour at Lal Chowk in Srinagar. They can't even do that here and they are talking about PoK."

Abdullah, who represents Srinagar parliamentary seat in the Lok Sabha, also made a U-turn on Center's special representative on Kashmir, Dineshwar Sharma's role. "We hope that he (Sharma) listens to the people and those who meet him talk about real issues; he will understand that a way has to be found out. And also he conveys to Delhi to find a solution (to the issue)," he said.

The statement is contradictory to his earlier stand. On November 5 Abdullah had said he does not have any expectations from Sharma and the only way forward in Kashmir is restoration of autonomy to the state.

Abdullah also demanded that Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti should visit Tihar Jail to find out the condition of Kashmiri inmates there. "The chief minister should visit Tihar Jail and ensure the safety of Kashmiris lodged there," he said.