SRINAGAR: Raking up the controversy again, former Union Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah today said let entire “Azad Kashmir” remain with Pakistan and India keep Jammu, Kashmir and Ladkh for lasting peace in the region.
However, he demanded restoration of autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir. Addressing party workers on the Ist death anniversary of Sheikh Nazir Ahmad, National Conference (NC) general secretary, Dr Abdullah said there are people having vested interests in both the countries who do not want normalisation of relations between India and Pakistan.
“Incidents like Panthankote and Mumbai would continue to happen until India and Pakistan resolve all their problems and hold each others hands in friendship”, he said and advised centre to win the minds and hearts of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
He said no power on earth can snatch “Azad Kashmir” from Pakistan and similarly Jammu and Kashmir will remain with India. We have to live with India, he said but demanded restoration of internal autonomy.
“Azad Kashmir”, Gilgit Baltistan and Askardoo will remain with Pakistan and Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh with India, he said.
However, he said, “there are some elements in both the countries who donot want friendship between the two countries. Once India and Pakistan agree for a good and friendly relations, these elements will get defeated automatically,” he said, adding once they (India and Pak) come closer, all the problems will disappear.
Referring to criticism by Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader that he (Dr Abdullah) demanded bombing of Pakistan, he said “how can we stand mute spectator when our schools, bridges and buildings are destroyed and people killed in Kashmir.” (AGENCIES)
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