<p>The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday said that National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah was trying to push the country into communalism.</p>

<p>Speaking to ANI, BJP leader Gopal Krishna Agarwal said that Farooq should make statements under the parliamentary law as he is a member of the same.</p>

<p>&quot;I am not able to understand what language is Farooq Abdullah speaking and with what thoughts. He should talk under the parliamentary law as he is a member of the same. He is trying to push the country into communalism,&quot; Agarwal said.</p>

<p>In a blistering attack at the BJP, former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abdullah accused the saffron party of dividing India on the basis of religion.</p>

<p>&quot;BJP leaders in UP give speeches and threaten Muslims that if you don&#39;t vote for us (BJP), we&#39;ll show you... India belongs to everyone, be they Hindu, Muslim, Sikh or Christian. And it is their right to freely vote for whoever they want to. You can&#39;t force anyone,&quot; Abdullah said at a gathering in Jammu.</p>

<p>Abdullah further said, &quot;You have made one Pakistan, how many more Pakistans will you make? How many more pieces will you cut India into?&quot;</p>

<p>He further reiterated his <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pok-is-part-of-pakistan-farooq-abdullah-23989">Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK)</a> remark and said the disputed territory does not belong to India.</p>

<p>&quot;Yes, I say it (PoK) belongs to them (Pakistan). Are they (Pakistan) wearing bangles? They also have atom bombs! Do you want us to be killed by them? You are sitting in palaces, think about the poor people living in border areas, who are bombed daily,&quot; he added.</p>

<p>Earlier also, Farooq drew flak for saying that PoK belongs to Pakistan and the fact would not change no matter how many wars are fought over the issue.</p>


BJP leader Gopal Krishna Agarwal said that Farooq should make statements under the parliamentary law as he is a member of the same

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday said that National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah was trying to push the country into communalism. Speaking to ANI, BJP leader Gopal Krishna Agarwal said that Farooq should make statements under the parliamentary law as he is a member of the same. "I am not able to understand what language is Farooq Abdullah speaking and with what thoughts. He should talk under the parliamentary law as he is a member of the same. He is trying to push the country into communalism," Agarwal said. In a blistering attack at the BJP, former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abdullah accused the saffron party of dividing India on the basis of religion. "BJP leaders in UP give speeches and threaten Muslims that if you don't vote for us (BJP), we'll show you... India belongs to everyone, be they Hindu, Muslim, Sikh or Christian. And it is their right to freely vote for whoever they want to. You can't force anyone," Abdullah said at a gathering in Jammu. Abdullah further said, "You have made one Pakistan, how many more Pakistans will you make? How many more pieces will you cut India into?" He further reiterated his Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) remark and said the disputed territory does not belong to India. "Yes, I say it (PoK) belongs to them (Pakistan). Are they (Pakistan) wearing bangles? They also have atom bombs! Do you want us to be killed by them? You are sitting in palaces, think about the poor people living in border areas, who are bombed daily," he added. Earlier also, Farooq drew flak for saying that PoK belongs to Pakistan and the fact would not change no matter how many wars are fought over the issue.

Farooq trying to push country into communalism: BJP

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/party-set-to-sack-mugabe-zimbabweans-celebrate-expected-downfall-24539" target="_blank">Party set to sack Mugabe, Zimbabweans celebrate expected downfall</a></p>

<p>Zimbabwe&#39;s ruling party will dismiss President Robert Mugabe on Sunday and reinstate Emmerson Mnangagwa, the vice-president he fired, two party sources told Reuters on Saturday, as ecstatic crowds celebrated the expected downfall. Mugabe&#39;s 37-year rule has been effectively at an end since the army seized control on Wednesday, confining him to his residence, saying it wanted to target the &quot;criminals&quot; around him.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/your-boss-silencing-you-rahul-gandhi-asks-nirmala-sitharaman-24541" target="_blank">Your boss silencing you is &#39;shameful&#39;: Rahul Gandhi to Nirmala Sitharaman</a></p>

<p>Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi on Saturday&nbsp;hit back at Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman over the multi-crore Rafale deal, claiming it was &quot;shameful&quot; that her boss was &quot;silencing&quot; her. Mr Gandhi&#39;s retort comes a day after Ms Sitharaman alleged that it was shameful on part of the Congress to raise objections on the fighter aircraft deal. He also asked her whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi had taken permission from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) before announcing the purchase of the Rafale fighter aircraft in Paris.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/former-pm-manmohan-singh-to-get-indira-gandhi-peace-prize-24545" target="_blank">Former prime minister Manmohan Singh to get Indira Gandhi peace prize</a></p>

<p>&quot;The Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development is awarded to Manmohan Singh for his leadership of the country and his achievements during the momentous 10 years from 2004 to 2014, for his contributions to the cause of economic and social development, for improving India&#39;s stature in the world and its relationship with the neighbours and the leading nations of the world, and for his dedication to the security and well being of ordinary citizens regardless of their faith, caste, region or language,&quot; a statement from the Trust&#39;s secretary Suman Dubey said.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-to-be-made-congress-president-before-december-5-sources-to-wion-24527" target="_blank">Rahul Gandhi to be made Congress President before December 5: Sources to WION</a></p>

<p>Sources also said that the elevation is not going to be delayed any further. The CWC is expected to adopt the resolution to make Rahul Gandhi Congress president on Monday which would subsequently be ratified by the All India Congress Committee. As per the rules of the Congress constitution,&nbsp;the final ratification has to be done by the All India Congress Committee (AICC).</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmavati-row-vasundhara-raje-asks-smriti-irani-for-changes-in-film-24535" target="_blank">&#39;Padmavati&#39; row: Vasundhara Raje asks Smriti Irani for changes in film</a></p>

<p>Rajasthan chief minister Vasundhara Raje has written to Information and Broadcasting minister Smriti Irani requesting her that the film &quot;Padmavati&quot; should not be released until some changes are made to it so that it &quot;does not hurt the sentiments of any community&quot;. In her letter, the Rajasthan chief minister has suggested that a committee should be formed to discuss the film and its plot and should suggest amendments.&nbsp;</p>


Party set to sack Mugabe, Zimbabweans celebrate expected downfall Zimbabwe's ruling party will dismiss President Robert Mugabe on Sunday and reinstate Emmerson Mnangagwa, the vice-president he fired, two party sources told Reuters on Saturday, as ecstatic crowds celebrated the expected downfall. Mugabe's 37-year rule has been effectively at an end since the army seized control on Wednesday, confining him to his residence, saying it wanted to target the "criminals" around him. Your boss silencing you is 'shameful': Rahul Gandhi to Nirmala Sitharaman Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi on Saturday hit back at Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman over the multi-crore Rafale deal, claiming it was "shameful" that her boss was "silencing" her. Mr Gandhi's retort comes a day after Ms Sitharaman alleged that it was shameful on part of the Congress to raise objections on the fighter aircraft deal. He also asked her whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi had taken permission from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) before announcing the purchase of the Rafale fighter aircraft in Paris. Former prime minister Manmohan Singh to get Indira Gandhi peace prize "The Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development is awarded to Manmohan Singh for his leadership of the country and his achievements during the momentous 10 years from 2004 to 2014, for his contributions to the cause of economic and social development, for improving India's stature in the world and its relationship with the neighbours and the leading nations of the world, and for his dedication to the security and well being of ordinary citizens regardless of their faith, caste, region or language," a statement from the Trust's secretary Suman Dubey said. Rahul Gandhi to be made Congress President before December 5: Sources to WION Sources also said that the elevation is not going to be delayed any further. The CWC is expected to adopt the resolution to make Rahul Gandhi Congress president on Monday which would subsequently be ratified by the All India Congress Committee. As per the rules of the Congress constitution, the final ratification has to be done by the All India Congress Committee (AICC). 'Padmavati' row: Vasundhara Raje asks Smriti Irani for changes in film Rajasthan chief minister Vasundhara Raje has written to Information and Broadcasting minister Smriti Irani requesting her that the film "Padmavati" should not be released until some changes are made to it so that it "does not hurt the sentiments of any community". In her letter, the Rajasthan chief minister has suggested that a committee should be formed to discuss the film and its plot and should suggest amendments.

WION Morning News Brief, November 19, 2017

<p>Unfazed by the legal cases and sharp criticism, former chief minister and National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah on Saturday reiterated that Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) is part of Pakistan.</p>

<p>While addressing a gathering in Jammu today, Farooq Abdullah said &#39;that You have made one Pakistan, how many Pakistans will you make, how many pieces will you cut India into?&#39;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Jammu: Farooq Abdullah says, &#39;You have made one Pakistan, how many Pakistans will you make, how many pieces will you cut India into?&#39; <a href="https://t.co/LN3RV1Z5Up">pic.twitter.com/LN3RV1Z5Up</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/931798888872263680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 18, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&quot;Yes, I say it (PoK) belongs to them (Pakistan). Are they (Pakistan) wearing bangles? They also have atom bombs! Do you want us to be killed by them? You are sitting in palaces, think about the poor people living in border areas, who are bombed daily.&quot; he added.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Yes, I say it (PoK) belongs to them (Pakistan). Are they (Pakistan) wearing bangles? They also have atom bombs! Do you want us to be killed by them? You are sitting in palaces, think about the poor people living in border areas, who are bombed daily: Farooq Abdullah in Jammu <a href="https://t.co/C2WkpowNji">pic.twitter.com/C2WkpowNji</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/931801673739091969?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 18, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>He further stated that he is ready to face all legal cases against him.</p>

<p>The National Conference chief has given similar statements in the past, saying that PoK&nbsp;belongs to Pakistan and &quot;this won&#39;t change&quot; no matter how many wars India and Pakistan fight against each other.</p>

<p>A complaint has&nbsp;been filed in Delhi high court against Farooq Abdullah by a Jammu based social activist Sukesh Khajuria on November 17.</p>

<p>Read more:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/complaint-filed-against-farooq-abdullah-and-rishi-kapoor-over-pok-comments-24477">Complaints filed against Farooq Abdullah and Rishi Kapoor over PoK comments</a></p>

<p>Read more:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pok-is-part-of-pakistan-farooq-abdullah-23989">&#39;PoK is part of Pakistan&#39;: Farooq Abdullah</a></p>


Unfazed by the legal cases and sharp criticism, former chief minister and National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah on Saturday reiterated that Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) is part of Pakistan

Unfazed by the legal cases and sharp criticism, former chief minister and National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah on Saturday reiterated that Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) is part of Pakistan. While addressing a gathering in Jammu today, Farooq Abdullah said 'that You have made one Pakistan, how many Pakistans will you make, how many pieces will you cut India into?' #WATCH Jammu: Farooq Abdullah says, 'You have made one Pakistan, how many Pakistans will you make, how many pieces will you cut India into?' pic.twitter.com/LN3RV1Z5Up — ANI (@ANI) November 18, 2017 × "Yes, I say it (PoK) belongs to them (Pakistan). Are they (Pakistan) wearing bangles? They also have atom bombs! Do you want us to be killed by them? You are sitting in palaces, think about the poor people living in border areas, who are bombed daily." he added. Yes, I say it (PoK) belongs to them (Pakistan). Are they (Pakistan) wearing bangles? They also have atom bombs! Do you want us to be killed by them? You are sitting in palaces, think about the poor people living in border areas, who are bombed daily: Farooq Abdullah in Jammu pic.twitter.com/C2WkpowNji — ANI (@ANI) November 18, 2017 × He further stated that he is ready to face all legal cases against him. The National Conference chief has given similar statements in the past, saying that PoK belongs to Pakistan and "this won't change" no matter how many wars India and Pakistan fight against each other. A complaint has been filed in Delhi high court against Farooq Abdullah by a Jammu based social activist Sukesh Khajuria on November 17. Read more: Complaints filed against Farooq Abdullah and Rishi Kapoor over PoK comments Read more: 'PoK is part of Pakistan': Farooq Abdullah

'How many Pakistans will you make', reiterates Farooq Abdullah

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/iaf-personnel-killed-5-terrorists-shot-dead-in-encounter-in-jks-bandipora-24523">Air Force commando killed, 5 terrorists shot dead in encounter in J&amp;K&#39;s Bandipora</a></p>

<p>An Indian Air Force personnel of the Garud commando force was killed and two army personnel were injured in an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir&#39;s Bandipora district on Saturday.Five terrorists were shot dead in the encounter that took place in Bandipora&#39;s Hajin town, ANI reported.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmavati-makers-pressurising-us-to-clear-film-censor-board-chairman-24513">&#39;Padmavati&#39; makers pressurising us to clear film: Censor board chairman</a></p>

<p>The chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) Prasoon Joshi today criticised the makers of &quot;Padmavati&quot; for pressurising the censor board to clear the film without completing the paperwork.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prasoon Joshi revealed that the disclaimer whether the film was a work of fiction or historical had been left blank.</p>

<p>The censor board chairperson also slammed the filmmakers for screening the film for the press and on national channels without the censor board &quot;having seen or certified&quot; the film.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/shah-rukh-khan-and-netflix-announce-original-series-based-on-bard-of-blood-24515">Shah Rukh Khan, Netflix announce original series based on &#39;Bard of Blood&#39;</a></p>

<p>Shah Rukh Khan&#39;s Red Chilies&#39; entertainment has collaborated with streaming giant Netflix for an original Indian series.</p>

<p>The series will be a thriller based on a book &quot;Bard of Blood&quot; by Bilaal Siddiqui, and it will be a multilingual series in which characters will be interacting in Hindi, Urdu, English and other languages.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kopardi-gangrape-murder-ahmedabad-court-holds-dalit-youth-guilty-24518">Kopardi gangrape, murder: Ahmedabad court holds Dalit youth guilty</a></p>

<p>The Ahmednagar district sessions court today convicted three Dalit youth of the gangrape and murder of a 15-year-old girl in Maharashtra&#39;s Kopardi village in 2016.</p>

<p>The quantum of punishment will be pronounced on November 21.</p>

<p>The victim, who belonged to the Maratha community, was found murdered after being raped on July 13 at Kopardi village in Ahmednagar district.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/you-have-made-one-pakistan-how-many-pakistans-will-you-make-how-many-pieces-will-you-cut-india-into-says-farooq-andullah-24514">&#39;How many Pakistans will you make&#39;, reiterates Farooq Abdullah</a></p>

<p>Unfazed by the legal cases and sharp criticism, former chief minister and National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah on Saturday reiterated that Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) is part of Pakistan.</p>

<p>While addressing a gathering in Jammu today, Farooq Abdullah said &#39;that You have made one Pakistan, how many Pakistans will you make, how many pieces will you cut India into?&#39;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Air Force commando killed, 5 terrorists shot dead in encounter in J&K's Bandipora An Indian Air Force personnel of the Garud commando force was killed and two army personnel were injured in an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Bandipora district on Saturday.Five terrorists were shot dead in the encounter that took place in Bandipora's Hajin town, ANI reported. 'Padmavati' makers pressurising us to clear film: Censor board chairman The chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) Prasoon Joshi today criticised the makers of "Padmavati" for pressurising the censor board to clear the film without completing the paperwork. Prasoon Joshi revealed that the disclaimer whether the film was a work of fiction or historical had been left blank. The censor board chairperson also slammed the filmmakers for screening the film for the press and on national channels without the censor board "having seen or certified" the film. Shah Rukh Khan, Netflix announce original series based on 'Bard of Blood' Shah Rukh Khan's Red Chilies' entertainment has collaborated with streaming giant Netflix for an original Indian series. The series will be a thriller based on a book "Bard of Blood" by Bilaal Siddiqui, and it will be a multilingual series in which characters will be interacting in Hindi, Urdu, English and other languages. Kopardi gangrape, murder: Ahmedabad court holds Dalit youth guilty The Ahmednagar district sessions court today convicted three Dalit youth of the gangrape and murder of a 15-year-old girl in Maharashtra's Kopardi village in 2016. The quantum of punishment will be pronounced on November 21. The victim, who belonged to the Maratha community, was found murdered after being raped on July 13 at Kopardi village in Ahmednagar district. 'How many Pakistans will you make', reiterates Farooq Abdullah Unfazed by the legal cases and sharp criticism, former chief minister and National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah on Saturday reiterated that Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) is part of Pakistan. While addressing a gathering in Jammu today, Farooq Abdullah said 'that You have made one Pakistan, how many Pakistans will you make, how many pieces will you cut India into?'

WION evening news brief, November 18, 2017

<p>National Conference leader and former <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bihar-court-orders-to-file-fir-against-farooq-abdullah-on-charges-of-treason-24146" target="_blank">chief minister Farooq Abdullah</a>&#39;s remarks&nbsp;over Pok is drawing a lot of ire.</p>

<p>Days after a lawyer in Bihar approached a court over his remarks, a Jammu based social activist has also filed a complaint with a district magistrate.</p>

<p>The Jammu based social activist Sukesh Khajuria has not only filed a complaint against him but also against Rishi Kapoor.</p>

<p>The National Conference president Farooq Abdullah&nbsp;had&nbsp;said earlier that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pok-is-part-of-pakistan-farooq-abdullah-23989" target="_blank">Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) belongs to Pakistan</a> and &quot;this won&#39;t change&quot; no matter how many wars India and Pakistan fight against each other. On the demand for autonomy, he said that while the state decided to join India out of love, the country &quot;betrayed&quot; the people of Kashmir and &quot;did not treat them well&quot;.</p>

<p>&quot;We should understand that there has been a decision (of accession), but India didn&#39;t treat us well. India betrayed us. They did not recognise the love with which we chose to join them. That is the reason behind the current situation in Kashmir,&quot; Abdullah told a news agency.</p>

<p>&quot;Internal autonomy is our right. They (Centre) should restore it. Only then the peace will return (to the Valley),&quot; he added.</p>

<p>Responding to him actor Rishi Kapoor tweeted &quot;Totally agree with you, sir. J&amp;K is ours, and PoK is theirs.&quot;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Farooq Abdhulla ji, Salaam! Totally agree with you,sir. J&amp;K is ours, and PoK is theirs. This is the only way we can solve our problem. Accept it, I am 65 years old and I want to see Pakistan before I die. I want my children to see their roots. Bas karva Dijiye. Jai Mata Di !</p>
&mdash; Rishi Kapoor (@chintskap) <a href="https://twitter.com/chintskap/status/929429458188091392?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 11, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>The petition by the Jammu based social activist seeks action under section 196 of CrPc which deals with prosecution for offences against the State and for criminal conspiracy to commit such offence.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Jammu based social activist Sukesh Khajuria filed a complaint with District Magistrate against Dr.Farooq Abdullah and Actor Rishi Kapoor for their remarks on PoK. Seeks action under section 196 of CrPC <a href="https://t.co/yb01tsFgyc">pic.twitter.com/yb01tsFgyc</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/931476630903562241?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 17, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>A petition against Abdullah was also filed in Delhi High Court.</p>

<p>The plea is likely to be heard on November 20.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A petition has also been filed in Delhi High Court against Dr. Farooq Abdullah for his PoK comment. High Court is likely to hear the matter on November 20 <a href="https://t.co/3MKvUs0ius">pic.twitter.com/3MKvUs0ius</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/931488862244704258?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 17, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Complaints were filed against Abdullah in Bihar, Jammu and Delhi

National Conference leader and former chief minister Farooq Abdullah's remarks over Pok is drawing a lot of ire. Days after a lawyer in Bihar approached a court over his remarks, a Jammu based social activist has also filed a complaint with a district magistrate. The Jammu based social activist Sukesh Khajuria has not only filed a complaint against him but also against Rishi Kapoor. The National Conference president Farooq Abdullah had said earlier that Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) belongs to Pakistan and "this won't change" no matter how many wars India and Pakistan fight against each other. On the demand for autonomy, he said that while the state decided to join India out of love, the country "betrayed" the people of Kashmir and "did not treat them well". "We should understand that there has been a decision (of accession), but India didn't treat us well. India betrayed us. They did not recognise the love with which we chose to join them. That is the reason behind the current situation in Kashmir," Abdullah told a news agency. "Internal autonomy is our right. They (Centre) should restore it. Only then the peace will return (to the Valley)," he added. Responding to him actor Rishi Kapoor tweeted "Totally agree with you, sir. J&K is ours, and PoK is theirs." Farooq Abdhulla ji, Salaam! Totally agree with you,sir. J&K is ours, and PoK is theirs. This is the only way we can solve our problem. Accept it, I am 65 years old and I want to see Pakistan before I die. I want my children to see their roots. Bas karva Dijiye. Jai Mata Di ! — Rishi Kapoor (@chintskap) November 11, 2017 × The petition by the Jammu based social activist seeks action under section 196 of CrPc which deals with prosecution for offences against the State and for criminal conspiracy to commit such offence. Jammu based social activist Sukesh Khajuria filed a complaint with District Magistrate against Dr.Farooq Abdullah and Actor Rishi Kapoor for their remarks on PoK. Seeks action under section 196 of CrPC pic.twitter.com/yb01tsFgyc — ANI (@ANI) November 17, 2017 × A petition against Abdullah was also filed in Delhi High Court. The plea is likely to be heard on November 20. A petition has also been filed in Delhi High Court against Dr. Farooq Abdullah for his PoK comment. High Court is likely to hear the matter on November 20 pic.twitter.com/3MKvUs0ius — ANI (@ANI) November 17, 2017 ×

Complaints filed against Farooq Abdullah and Rishi Kapoor over PoK comments

<p>A court in Bihar has ordered an&nbsp;FIR to be filed against Farooq Abdullah, the former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, on charges of treason.</p>

<p>A lawyer in the&nbsp;Bettiah city of Bihar approached the court over Abdullah&#39;s <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pok-is-part-of-pakistan-farooq-abdullah-23989" target="_blank">remarks on Po</a>K.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Court in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bihar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bihar</a>&#39;s Bettiah orders filing of FIR against Farooq Abdullah on charges of treason after a lawyer approached the court over Abdullah&#39;s remarks on PoK. (File Pic) <a href="https://t.co/4oqwLdjcNe">pic.twitter.com/4oqwLdjcNe</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/930115747304452098?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>The National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Saturday had reportedly said that Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) belongs to Pakistan and &quot;this won&#39;t change&quot; no matter how many wars India and Pakistan fight against each other.</p>

<p>On the demand for autonomy, he allegedly said that while the state decided to join India out of love, the country &quot;betrayed&quot; the people of Kashmir and &quot;did not treat them well&quot;.</p>

<p>&quot;We should understand that there has been a decision (of accession), but India didn&#39;t treat us well. India betrayed us. They did not recognise the love with which we chose to join them. That is the reason behind the current situation in Kashmir,&quot; Abdullah told a news agency.</p>

<p>&quot;Internal autonomy is our right. They (Centre) should restore it. Only then the peace will return (to the Valley),&quot; he added.</p>


A lawyer in the?Bettiah city of Bihar approached the court over Abdullah's remarks on Pok. The former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir said that Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) belongs to Pakistan and 'this won't change' no matter how many wars India and Pakistan fight against each other

A court in Bihar has ordered an FIR to be filed against Farooq Abdullah, the former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, on charges of treason. A lawyer in the Bettiah city of Bihar approached the court over Abdullah's remarks on PoK. Court in #Bihar's Bettiah orders filing of FIR against Farooq Abdullah on charges of treason after a lawyer approached the court over Abdullah's remarks on PoK. (File Pic) pic.twitter.com/4oqwLdjcNe — ANI (@ANI) November 13, 2017 × The National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Saturday had reportedly said that Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) belongs to Pakistan and "this won't change" no matter how many wars India and Pakistan fight against each other. On the demand for autonomy, he allegedly said that while the state decided to join India out of love, the country "betrayed" the people of Kashmir and "did not treat them well". "We should understand that there has been a decision (of accession), but India didn't treat us well. India betrayed us. They did not recognise the love with which we chose to join them. That is the reason behind the current situation in Kashmir," Abdullah told a news agency. "Internal autonomy is our right. They (Centre) should restore it. Only then the peace will return (to the Valley)," he added.

Bihar court orders FIR against Farooq Abdullah on charges of treason

<p>Opposition National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Saturday claimed that Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) belongs to Pakistan and &quot;this won&#39;t change&quot; no matter how many wars India and Pakistan fight against each other.</p>

<p>Talk of an independent Kashmir was &quot;wrong&quot; as the Valley is landlocked and surrounded by three nuclear powers -- China, Pakistan and India.</p>

<p>His statement comes days after Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi had rejected the idea of an &quot;independent Kashmir&quot;, saying it was not based on &quot;reality&quot;.</p>

<p>&quot;I am saying that there is nothing like the issue of freedom (independent Kashmir) here. We are landlocked. On one side we have China, Pakistan on the other side and India on the third side,&quot; the MP from Srinagar told reporters on the sidelines of a function at the party headquarters here.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I can&#39;t comment much on that. He has held talks but talks alone is not the solution. This issue is between India &amp; Pakistan. Indian govt must also hold talks with Pakistan govt because a part of Kashmir is also with them: Farooq Abdullah on J&amp;K Interlocutor Dineshwar Sharma <a href="https://t.co/PrAWB79j6j">pic.twitter.com/PrAWB79j6j</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/929269853428391936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 11, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&quot;All three of them have atom bombs. We have nothing except Allah&#39;s name,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>&quot;Those (separatists) who are talking about Azadi, are talking wrong,&quot; the former J&amp;K chief minister said.</p>

<p>On the demand for autonomy, he said that while the state decided to join India out of love, the country &quot;betrayed&quot; the people of Kashmir and did not treat them well.</p>

<p>&quot;We should understand that there has been a decision (of accession), but India didn&#39;t treat us well. India betrayed us. They did not recognise the love with which we chose to join them. That is the reason behind the current situation in Kashmir,&quot; Abdullah said.</p>

<p>&quot;Internal autonomy is our right. They (Centre) should restore it. Only then the peace will return (to the Valley),&quot; he said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A Pak Minister very rightly said that you forget that the part which is yours was acquired by an Instrument of Accession. You forget Instrument of accession &amp; say that the part is yours. If you talk about this being your part then remember the Instrument as well: Farooq Abdullah <a href="https://t.co/tuBpr4cd5D">pic.twitter.com/tuBpr4cd5D</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/929272052191698944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 11, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Referring to a statement made by Minister of State for Home Hansraj Ahir about PoK being part of India, Abdullah invoked the instrument of accession signed by the then Maharaja Hari Singh, with the Indian government.</p>

<p>&quot;You do not remember the instrument of accession and claim the other side of Kashmir administered by Pakistan. If that side is ours, then you should talk about the accession as well. Why do you forget the conditions on which we have acceded?&quot; he said.</p>

<p>Abdullah also claimed that PoK was part of Pakistan and would remain so.</p>

<p>&quot;I tell them in plain terms -- not only the people of India, but also to the world -- that the part (of J&amp;K) which is with Pakistan (PoK) belongs to Pakistan and this side to India. This won&#39;t change. Let them fight how many wars they want to. This won&#39;t change,&quot; Abdullah said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The part which is with Pakistan belongs to Pakistan &amp; this is India&#39;s part. If they want peace govt will have to talk to Pakistan &amp; conclude that an autonomy be given to us as well as them: Farooq Abdullah <a href="https://t.co/5bL0loxtBs">pic.twitter.com/5bL0loxtBs</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/929272849394679808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 11, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&quot;And when the situation is such, then they have to talk, so that we live in peace, both parts live in peace and for that it is imperative to grant autonomy to both the parts,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>Asked whether the visit of the Centre&#39;s special representative for Kashmir Dineshwar Sahrma to the state was successful, Abdullah said only Sharma could say anything about it.</p>

<p>&quot;I can only say that while he has held talks, only talks will not address the issue as this issue is between two countries -- Pakistan and India. The government of India has to talk to the government of Pakistan as a part of J&amp;K is with them (Pakistan),&quot; he said.</p>

<p><em>(With PTI inputs)</em></p>


Responding to the visit of Jammu and Kashmir interlocutor Dineshwar Sharma, former chief minister of the state, Farooq Abdullah has said that India must also hold talks with Pakistan government as a part of Kashmir is also with them

Opposition National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Saturday claimed that Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) belongs to Pakistan and "this won't change" no matter how many wars India and Pakistan fight against each other. Talk of an independent Kashmir was "wrong" as the Valley is landlocked and surrounded by three nuclear powers -- China, Pakistan and India. His statement comes days after Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi had rejected the idea of an "independent Kashmir", saying it was not based on "reality". "I am saying that there is nothing like the issue of freedom (independent Kashmir) here. We are landlocked. On one side we have China, Pakistan on the other side and India on the third side," the MP from Srinagar told reporters on the sidelines of a function at the party headquarters here. I can't comment much on that. He has held talks but talks alone is not the solution. This issue is between India & Pakistan. Indian govt must also hold talks with Pakistan govt because a part of Kashmir is also with them: Farooq Abdullah on J&K Interlocutor Dineshwar Sharma pic.twitter.com/PrAWB79j6j — ANI (@ANI) November 11, 2017 × "All three of them have atom bombs. We have nothing except Allah's name," he said. "Those (separatists) who are talking about Azadi, are talking wrong," the former J&K chief minister said. On the demand for autonomy, he said that while the state decided to join India out of love, the country "betrayed" the people of Kashmir and did not treat them well. "We should understand that there has been a decision (of accession), but India didn't treat us well. India betrayed us. They did not recognise the love with which we chose to join them. That is the reason behind the current situation in Kashmir," Abdullah said. "Internal autonomy is our right. They (Centre) should restore it. Only then the peace will return (to the Valley)," he said. A Pak Minister very rightly said that you forget that the part which is yours was acquired by an Instrument of Accession. You forget Instrument of accession & say that the part is yours. If you talk about this being your part then remember the Instrument as well: Farooq Abdullah pic.twitter.com/tuBpr4cd5D — ANI (@ANI) November 11, 2017 × Referring to a statement made by Minister of State for Home Hansraj Ahir about PoK being part of India, Abdullah invoked the instrument of accession signed by the then Maharaja Hari Singh, with the Indian government. "You do not remember the instrument of accession and claim the other side of Kashmir administered by Pakistan. If that side is ours, then you should talk about the accession as well. Why do you forget the conditions on which we have acceded?" he said. Abdullah also claimed that PoK was part of Pakistan and would remain so. "I tell them in plain terms -- not only the people of India, but also to the world -- that the part (of J&K) which is with Pakistan (PoK) belongs to Pakistan and this side to India. This won't change. Let them fight how many wars they want to. This won't change," Abdullah said. The part which is with Pakistan belongs to Pakistan & this is India's part. If they want peace govt will have to talk to Pakistan & conclude that an autonomy be given to us as well as them: Farooq Abdullah pic.twitter.com/5bL0loxtBs — ANI (@ANI) November 11, 2017 × "And when the situation is such, then they have to talk, so that we live in peace, both parts live in peace and for that it is imperative to grant autonomy to both the parts," he said. Asked whether the visit of the Centre's special representative for Kashmir Dineshwar Sahrma to the state was successful, Abdullah said only Sharma could say anything about it. "I can only say that while he has held talks, only talks will not address the issue as this issue is between two countries -- Pakistan and India. The government of India has to talk to the government of Pakistan as a part of J&K is with them (Pakistan)," he said. (With PTI inputs)

'PoK is part of Pakistan': Farooq Abdullah

<p>The Centre&rsquo;s special representative for Jammu and Kashmir, Dineshwar Sharma, has reached the Valley for a five-day visit to start a dialogue process. This is his first&nbsp;visit to the Kashmir valley after he was appointed the government&rsquo;s Kashmir interlocutor on October 23.</p>

<p>Before leaving for the Valley, the former Intelligence Bureau director said that no one should jump to conclusions before the process of talks with various stakeholders in Kashmir began.</p>

<p>&quot;I do not have a magic wand but my efforts have to be judged with sincerity and not through the prism of the past,&quot; Sharma, 61, said on Sunday.</p>

<p>&quot;I am going there without any preconceived notions. Everyone is welcome to meet me,&quot; he added.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/yes-i-can-talk-to-the-hurriyat-i-will-talk-to-everyone-dineshwar-sharma-23077">Speaking to WION</a> after he was named the interlocutor,&nbsp;Sharma had said that he has been allowed to talk to anybody and everybody - including the Hurriyat; that Prime Minister Narendra Modi &quot;is&nbsp;very much emotionally attached to Kashmir and wants to see a doable solution to the problem&quot;, and that he (Sharma) will be guided by former Prime Minister&nbsp;Atal Bihari Vajpayee&#39;s philosophy of insaniyat (humanity), Kashmiriyat (the composite, secular Kashmiri culture), and jamhooriyat (democracy).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sharma also said that he is aware that he has the toughest job in the country right now. &quot;It is very difficult and I realise that, but I&#39;m sure the people of Kashmir realise real harm is being caused to them by outside forces,&quot; he told WION.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Dineshwar Sharma, who has been named the government&#39;s interlocutor for Kashmir, spoke to WION about the reasons for the unrest in the strife-torn state. He said he will talk to everyone to achieve a solution to the problem (WION)</p>
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<p>The special representative will meet political leaders, traders and other delegations, according to a list drawn up by the state government.</p>

<p>However, he made it clear he had his own list of people whom he would meet as well.</p>

<p>The National Conference, meanwhile, said that it does not have any expectations from Sharma and the only way forward in Kashmir is restoration of autonomy to the state.</p>

<p>&quot;I have very little expectations from this new interlocutor. Like it has been done before, he will come and meet people. In 2010, then UPA government appointed a group of interlocutors who visited the state and had detailed discussions with every section here,&quot; National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah said on Sunday.</p>

<p>He added, &quot;The process took more than two months and after they were done with meeting people, a report was compiled. What happened to that report? Did the government discuss that report in any forum including the Parliament?&quot;</p>

<p>Sharma, who is originally from Bihar and was a Kerala- cadre IPS officer of the 1979 batch, held the country&#39;s top-most post for a police officer from 2014 to 2016.</p>

<p>He said Kashmir was his &quot;second home&quot; as his professional journey in the premier intelligence unit began here in 1992.</p>

<p>Last month, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, while announcing that Sharma would be the interlocutor for Kashmir, had referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi&#39;s speech from the Red Fort this year.</p>

<p>Modi had said on August 15, &quot;Na gaali se, na goli se, parivartan hoga gale lagaane se (Only by embracing the people, and not with abuses or bullets, can there be a change in Kashmir).&quot;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


This is Dineshwar Sharma's first visit to the Kashmir valley after he was appointed the government?s Kashmir interlocutor on October 23.

The Centre’s special representative for Jammu and Kashmir, Dineshwar Sharma, has reached the Valley for a five-day visit to start a dialogue process. This is his first visit to the Kashmir valley after he was appointed the government’s Kashmir interlocutor on October 23. Before leaving for the Valley, the former Intelligence Bureau director said that no one should jump to conclusions before the process of talks with various stakeholders in Kashmir began. "I do not have a magic wand but my efforts have to be judged with sincerity and not through the prism of the past," Sharma, 61, said on Sunday. "I am going there without any preconceived notions. Everyone is welcome to meet me," he added. Speaking to WION after he was named the interlocutor, Sharma had said that he has been allowed to talk to anybody and everybody - including the Hurriyat; that Prime Minister Narendra Modi "is very much emotionally attached to Kashmir and wants to see a doable solution to the problem", and that he (Sharma) will be guided by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's philosophy of insaniyat (humanity), Kashmiriyat (the composite, secular Kashmiri culture), and jamhooriyat (democracy). Sharma also said that he is aware that he has the toughest job in the country right now. "It is very difficult and I realise that, but I'm sure the people of Kashmir realise real harm is being caused to them by outside forces," he told WION. Dineshwar Sharma, who has been named the government's interlocutor for Kashmir, spoke to WION about the reasons for the unrest in the strife-torn state. He said he will talk to everyone to achieve a solution to the problem (WION) × The special representative will meet political leaders, traders and other delegations, according to a list drawn up by the state government. However, he made it clear he had his own list of people whom he would meet as well. The National Conference, meanwhile, said that it does not have any expectations from Sharma and the only way forward in Kashmir is restoration of autonomy to the state. "I have very little expectations from this new interlocutor. Like it has been done before, he will come and meet people. In 2010, then UPA government appointed a group of interlocutors who visited the state and had detailed discussions with every section here," National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah said on Sunday. He added, "The process took more than two months and after they were done with meeting people, a report was compiled. What happened to that report? Did the government discuss that report in any forum including the Parliament?" Sharma, who is originally from Bihar and was a Kerala- cadre IPS officer of the 1979 batch, held the country's top-most post for a police officer from 2014 to 2016. He said Kashmir was his "second home" as his professional journey in the premier intelligence unit began here in 1992. Last month, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, while announcing that Sharma would be the interlocutor for Kashmir, had referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech from the Red Fort this year. Modi had said on August 15, "Na gaali se, na goli se, parivartan hoga gale lagaane se (Only by embracing the people, and not with abuses or bullets, can there be a change in Kashmir)." (With inputs from agencies)

Centre's interlocutor Dineshwar Sharma reaches Kashmir, says 'open to talk to anyone'

<p>Two days after the government announced a new interlocutor for Kashmir, WION&#39;s <strong>Kartikeya Sharma</strong> conducts a free-wheeling interview with former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abdullah. It is always better to talk than to beat up a people, Abdullah tells Sharma, but also reminds him that there have been interlocutors before too.&nbsp;</p>

<p>What has happened to those reports? asks Abdullah.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Abdullah also says that he misses Vajpayee, reminding Sharma of Vajpayee&#39;s famous words -- that we can live in peace with our neighbour and (both of us) prosper, or we can live in animosity and suffer.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>What is National Conference&#39;s response to the appointment of Dineshwar Sharma as interlocutor for Kashmir?</strong><br />
As far as I&rsquo;m concerned as the president of the party, it is good that an interlocutor has been appointed but my question is also to the government of India. What about the earlier reports of the interlocutors which lie with the Centre. What has happened to those reports? Late Padgaonkar ji and three committees which were made and gave&nbsp;reports, what happened to them? Why don&rsquo;t they put them before Parliament?<br />
&nbsp;<br />
<strong>Why weren&rsquo;t these reports implemented?&nbsp;</strong><strong>You were</strong><strong> part of the UPA...</strong><br />
We did say and always asked as to why these reports aren&rsquo;t being implemented. Now that government has gone. Governments may go but things are there. Here is a government which says that they are working for the people, and I would be delighted if they open those books and put them before Parliament.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
<strong>Do you feel that successive talks without implementation of the recommendations added fuel to the fire?</strong><br />
Absolutely. They spent two years in the state, visiting Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir and met every single person including Hurriyat and compiled the report. It is there in the home ministry. For God&#39;s sake bring it out.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
<strong>Why did the government sit&nbsp;</strong><strong>on the report?</strong><br />
I think&nbsp;you should ask Manmohan Singh as to why wasn&rsquo;t anything done.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
<strong>Even the present government hasn&rsquo;t done a thing on it?</strong><br />
I don&rsquo;t know. Please put this question to Home Minister Rajnath Singh. He will be able to answer.</p>

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<h5>I think Army chief should restrict himself to the matters of the Army. He should look after the borders of India rather than talking about other things</h5>
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<p><strong>Is it mandatory to speak with Pakistan? Hurriyat has made an issue out of it?</strong><br />
Frankly I don&rsquo;t think that interlocutor can discuss with Pakistan. Discussion with Pakistan will have to be with government of India and at levels they choose to do so. Whether it is home minister or prime minister, it is for them to decide. They have a part of Jammu and Kashmir with them and it cannot be ignored.</p>

<p><strong>Does the appointment show that a muscular approach does not work with people?</strong><br />
Absolutely. Doval&rsquo;s doctrine has failed. His doctrine was to beat them to the ground and do everything you can to suppress them. Every theory has failed. They thought that with demonetisation, militancy would disappear -- it is at the highest level today. &nbsp;What have they achieved? Nothing. Our tourism has died. It is at zero. Nobody is bothered.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
<strong>What would you like the interlocutor to do?</strong><br />
I don&rsquo;t know who he is going to engage with. The (union) home minister tried to engage with every national party except the Hurriyat. The home minister didn&rsquo;t talk to Hurriyat. I don&#39;t know what a retired civil servant would be able to achieve.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
<strong>Wouldn&rsquo;t it provide a buffer to </strong><strong>mainstream</strong><strong> parties like yours? Workers of </strong><strong>mainstream</strong><strong> parties have been attacked by terrorists?</strong><br />
We have had this happen from 1989. Our workers and leaders have been targeted. No one cared. We will face the brunt but we will not disappear. We will be here.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
<strong>What has been the cause of the present unrest where civil institutions are failing to function normally?</strong><br />
One is the government of BJP and PDP. It has been the greatest misery that has been inflicted on the people of this state. it really put petrol on the fire and our neighbour utilised it to the best it could.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
<strong>Are you saying that BJP-PDP is an unnatural alliance?</strong><br />
I&rsquo;m not the only person who has said this. Ask anyone on the street and they will tell you.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
<strong>BJP has said that this is not the first time unrest has taken place. Worse unrest has taken place in the past?</strong><br />
They failed in everything so where does the blame lie.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
<strong>Present Army chief has spoken about the success of Army&rsquo;s approach in the valley?</strong><br />
I think Army chief should restrict himself to the matters of the Army. He should look after the borders of India rather than talking about other things. It doesn&rsquo;t augur well for him.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
<strong>Has politics of nationalism vs anti-nationalism affected the political discourse in the Valley?</strong><br />
Who are anti-nationals? If people ask for their rights, do they become anti-nationals? If they want to speak truth, do they become anti-national? We gave the autonomy resolution to Vajpayee, was that anti-national? It is in the Constitution of India. I don&rsquo;t understand what is meant by anti-national. If they want to smash the pride of the people -- then they are not going to succeed.</p>

<p><strong>Kashmir too at one end has not been accommodative. Pandits have</strong><strong> not been able to return?</strong><br />
Who is responsible for pandits not going back. All mainstream parties and Hurriyat welcomed them. We asked them to come back. There are pandits living in the Valley. They didn&rsquo;t migrate. It is for the others to make the move and come home. It is as much their home as it is my home. They must make the move.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
<strong>Is Article 35A an issue in Kashmir?</strong><br />
If it wasn&rsquo;t a big issue, even PDP wouldn&rsquo;t have been shouting against it. It is a major issue in the Valley.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
<strong>Have you spoken about it with Prime Minister Narendra Modi?</strong><br />
Many people have asked and I would say that I have spoken to him and if the situation arises I would speak to him again. I have no problem in speaking to Prime Minister Modi.</p>

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<p><strong>Where does the solution lie Farooq Abdullah?</strong><br />
Heal the wounds of the people and not by force and arrests, which is being done, and talk to Pakistan. Talk to them or else it will continue to happen. Only talking to Delhi will not make the&nbsp;slightest difference. I remember Vajpayee&rsquo;s words. Friends can be changed but not neighbours.&nbsp;We either live in harmony with our&nbsp;neighbour and both progress or live in animosity and both suffer. These are the golden words. There is always an opportunity for finding a peaceful solution and I think the PM has the courage to do so and if he takes that step, he can make a difference not only to India but to the sub-continent and world peace.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
<strong>Does Kashmir miss Vajpayee? Do you miss Vajpayee?</strong><br />
We all miss Vajpayee. India misses him. He is still alive. He is a great leader.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
<strong>So where is the hope for peace?</strong><br />
I just hope that the government of India takes the steps to bring peace to the Valley. They say that hope is life and if one loses hope, one would lose life. I hope for peace and prosperity not only for Kashmir but for the whole country.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
<strong>Arrests by NIA also show that Pakistan is funding separatism and the terror network?</strong><br />
Nobody will mind if those arrests prove that money came from Pakistan and they used it. But the longer you hold them in prison, and hold them longer and longer, then people wouldn&rsquo;t believe you and would feel that they are being pushed for saying things. They feel that there is nothing in it.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
<strong>Are you saying that investigations must conclude quickly?</strong><br />
Yes, it must and quicker and better. It must be fast-paced. It should be revealed to the people of India.</p>


Two days after the government announces a new interlocutor for Kashmir, WION's Kartikeya Sharma speaks with former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abdullah

Two days after the government announced a new interlocutor for Kashmir, WION's Kartikeya Sharma conducts a free-wheeling interview with former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abdullah. It is always better to talk than to beat up a people, Abdullah tells Sharma, but also reminds him that there have been interlocutors before too. What has happened to those reports? asks Abdullah. Abdullah also says that he misses Vajpayee, reminding Sharma of Vajpayee's famous words -- that we can live in peace with our neighbour and (both of us) prosper, or we can live in animosity and suffer. What is National Conference's response to the appointment of Dineshwar Sharma as interlocutor for Kashmir? As far as I’m concerned as the president of the party, it is good that an interlocutor has been appointed but my question is also to the government of India. What about the earlier reports of the interlocutors which lie with the Centre. What has happened to those reports? Late Padgaonkar ji and three committees which were made and gave reports, what happened to them? Why don’t they put them before Parliament? Why weren’t these reports implemented? You were part of the UPA... We did say and always asked as to why these reports aren’t being implemented. Now that government has gone. Governments may go but things are there. Here is a government which says that they are working for the people, and I would be delighted if they open those books and put them before Parliament. Do you feel that successive talks without implementation of the recommendations added fuel to the fire? Absolutely. They spent two years in the state, visiting Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir and met every single person including Hurriyat and compiled the report. It is there in the home ministry. For God's sake bring it out. Why did the government sit on the report? I think you should ask Manmohan Singh as to why wasn’t anything done. Even the present government hasn’t done a thing on it? I don’t know. Please put this question to Home Minister Rajnath Singh. He will be able to answer. I think Army chief should restrict himself to the matters of the Army. He should look after the borders of India rather than talking about other things × Is it mandatory to speak with Pakistan? Hurriyat has made an issue out of it? Frankly I don’t think that interlocutor can discuss with Pakistan. Discussion with Pakistan will have to be with government of India and at levels they choose to do so. Whether it is home minister or prime minister, it is for them to decide. They have a part of Jammu and Kashmir with them and it cannot be ignored. Does the appointment show that a muscular approach does not work with people? Absolutely. Doval’s doctrine has failed. His doctrine was to beat them to the ground and do everything you can to suppress them. Every theory has failed. They thought that with demonetisation, militancy would disappear -- it is at the highest level today. What have they achieved? Nothing. Our tourism has died. It is at zero. Nobody is bothered. What would you like the interlocutor to do? I don’t know who he is going to engage with. The (union) home minister tried to engage with every national party except the Hurriyat. The home minister didn’t talk to Hurriyat. I don't know what a retired civil servant would be able to achieve. Wouldn’t it provide a buffer to mainstream parties like yours? Workers of mainstream parties have been attacked by terrorists? We have had this happen from 1989. Our workers and leaders have been targeted. No one cared. We will face the brunt but we will not disappear. We will be here. What has been the cause of the present unrest where civil institutions are failing to function normally? One is the government of BJP and PDP. It has been the greatest misery that has been inflicted on the people of this state. it really put petrol on the fire and our neighbour utilised it to the best it could. Are you saying that BJP-PDP is an unnatural alliance? I’m not the only person who has said this. Ask anyone on the street and they will tell you. BJP has said that this is not the first time unrest has taken place. Worse unrest has taken place in the past? They failed in everything so where does the blame lie. Present Army chief has spoken about the success of Army’s approach in the valley? I think Army chief should restrict himself to the matters of the Army. He should look after the borders of India rather than talking about other things. It doesn’t augur well for him. Has politics of nationalism vs anti-nationalism affected the political discourse in the Valley? Who are anti-nationals? If people ask for their rights, do they become anti-nationals? If they want to speak truth, do they become anti-national? We gave the autonomy resolution to Vajpayee, was that anti-national? It is in the Constitution of India. I don’t understand what is meant by anti-national. If they want to smash the pride of the people -- then they are not going to succeed. Kashmir too at one end has not been accommodative. Pandits have not been able to return? Who is responsible for pandits not going back. All mainstream parties and Hurriyat welcomed them. We asked them to come back. There are pandits living in the Valley. They didn’t migrate. It is for the others to make the move and come home. It is as much their home as it is my home. They must make the move. Is Article 35A an issue in Kashmir? If it wasn’t a big issue, even PDP wouldn’t have been shouting against it. It is a major issue in the Valley. Have you spoken about it with Prime Minister Narendra Modi? Many people have asked and I would say that I have spoken to him and if the situation arises I would speak to him again. I have no problem in speaking to Prime Minister Modi. If people ask for their rights, do they become anti-nationals? If they want to speak truth, do they become anti-national? × Where does the solution lie Farooq Abdullah? Heal the wounds of the people and not by force and arrests, which is being done, and talk to Pakistan. Talk to them or else it will continue to happen. Only talking to Delhi will not make the slightest difference. I remember Vajpayee’s words. Friends can be changed but not neighbours. We either live in harmony with our neighbour and both progress or live in animosity and both suffer. These are the golden words. There is always an opportunity for finding a peaceful solution and I think the PM has the courage to do so and if he takes that step, he can make a difference not only to India but to the sub-continent and world peace. Does Kashmir miss Vajpayee? Do you miss Vajpayee? We all miss Vajpayee. India misses him. He is still alive. He is a great leader. So where is the hope for peace? I just hope that the government of India takes the steps to bring peace to the Valley. They say that hope is life and if one loses hope, one would lose life. I hope for peace and prosperity not only for Kashmir but for the whole country. Arrests by NIA also show that Pakistan is funding separatism and the terror network? Nobody will mind if those arrests prove that money came from Pakistan and they used it. But the longer you hold them in prison, and hold them longer and longer, then people wouldn’t believe you and would feel that they are being pushed for saying things. They feel that there is nothing in it. Are you saying that investigations must conclude quickly? Yes, it must and quicker and better. It must be fast-paced. It should be revealed to the people of India.

The Ajit Doval doctrine has failed: Farooq Abdullah

<p>Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti, today, met Prime Minister Modi in the backdrop of a raging debate over abrogation of Article 35A of the Constitution.</p>

<p>Mufti said that the idea of Jammu and Kashmir has to be accommodated within the idea of India.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Idea of India has to accommodate idea of Jammu &amp; Kashmir: J&amp;K CM Mehbooba Mufti after meeting PM Modi <a href="https://t.co/w2qUU9ydMw">pic.twitter.com/w2qUU9ydMw</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/895929784902991872">August 11, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Mufti also brought up the issue of maintaining a status quo on Article 370 of the Constitution which grants autonomy to the state.</p>

<p>Maintaining status quo on Article 370 was part of the agenda of alliance between the PDP and the BJP in Jammu and Kashmir and no one can go against it, she said. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The basis of our agenda of alliance is that status quo of 370 has to maintained none of us can go against that: J&amp;K CM after meeting PM <a href="https://t.co/ttHLb9OLV2">pic.twitter.com/ttHLb9OLV2</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/895930680521089024">August 11, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>She said that the Prime Minister gave &quot;100 per cent assurance on the agenda of alliance&quot;. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The J&amp;K chief minister met Farooq Abdullah of the National Conference on Tuesday to discuss the issue of Article 35A. According to reports, the NC president has suggested that Mufti should consult other like minded parties on the issue and try to build a wider consensus.</p>

<p>The Supreme Court is hearing a petition challenging Article 35A of the Constitution which grants powers to Jammu and Kashmir legislature to define permanent residents.</p>

<p>The Centre is going to present before the apex court the legal aspects of Article 35A, according to a report in PTI.</p>

<p>&nbsp; &nbsp;</p>


Mufti said that the idea of Jammu and Kashmir has to be accommodated within the idea of India

Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti, today, met Prime Minister Modi in the backdrop of a raging debate over abrogation of Article 35A of the Constitution. Mufti said that the idea of Jammu and Kashmir has to be accommodated within the idea of India. Idea of India has to accommodate idea of Jammu & Kashmir: J&K CM Mehbooba Mufti after meeting PM Modi pic.twitter.com/w2qUU9ydMw — ANI (@ANI) August 11, 2017 × Mufti also brought up the issue of maintaining a status quo on Article 370 of the Constitution which grants autonomy to the state. Maintaining status quo on Article 370 was part of the agenda of alliance between the PDP and the BJP in Jammu and Kashmir and no one can go against it, she said. The basis of our agenda of alliance is that status quo of 370 has to maintained none of us can go against that: J&K CM after meeting PM pic.twitter.com/ttHLb9OLV2 — ANI (@ANI) August 11, 2017 × She said that the Prime Minister gave "100 per cent assurance on the agenda of alliance". The J&K chief minister met Farooq Abdullah of the National Conference on Tuesday to discuss the issue of Article 35A. According to reports, the NC president has suggested that Mufti should consult other like minded parties on the issue and try to build a wider consensus. The Supreme Court is hearing a petition challenging Article 35A of the Constitution which grants powers to Jammu and Kashmir legislature to define permanent residents. The Centre is going to present before the apex court the legal aspects of Article 35A, according to a report in PTI.

J&K CM Mehbooba Mufti meets PM Modi, raises Article 35A with him

<p>Former chief minister and cabinet minister in UPA Farooq Abdullah meeting with the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday has set the cat amongst the pigeons in Lutyen&rsquo;s Delhi. Highly-placed sources in the government confirmed the meeting between them but remained quiet on the time they spent together.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sources indicated that Farooq Abdullah discussed Kashmir crisis with the Prime Minister Narendra Modi apart from presidential elections. The meeting assumes importance in the wake of ongoing Kashmir crisis and the&nbsp;tough stand taken by the Centre against the separatists in the valley.&nbsp;</p>

<p>What is even more significant is that Abdullah senior has had a one to one with the Prime Minister when Congress president Sonia Gandhi is trying to build a national front against BJP&rsquo;s presidential candidate. In this regard, Sonia Gandhi had met a&nbsp;number of regional leaders in Delhi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Last week, National Conference president Omar Abdullah had met the Congress president Sonia Gandhi but Farooq Abdullah failed to make the appointment.</p>

<p>Of late, Abdullah senior had taken a very tough stand against the Centre and had spoken in softly about the stone pelters and the separatist.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Many in the BJP attributed it to campaign compulsion and a strategy to corner PDP in the valley. Sources in the BJP indicated that it was Farooq Abdullah who had sought the appointment from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For now, PDP-BJP governments stand firm and chief minister Mehbooba Mufti continues to reaffirm faith the in the leadership of Modi in solving the problem of Jammu and Kashmir. But Farooq Abdullah meeting the Prime Minister is an indication that regional parties in the valley continue to engage with the idea of Modi and would deal with the Prime Minister independent of its alliances or ideological commitments.</p>

<p>(WION)</p>


Highly-placed sources in the government confirmed the meeting between them but remained quiet on the time they spent together

Former chief minister and cabinet minister in UPA Farooq Abdullah meeting with the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday has set the cat amongst the pigeons in Lutyen’s Delhi. Highly-placed sources in the government confirmed the meeting between them but remained quiet on the time they spent together. Sources indicated that Farooq Abdullah discussed Kashmir crisis with the Prime Minister Narendra Modi apart from presidential elections. The meeting assumes importance in the wake of ongoing Kashmir crisis and the tough stand taken by the Centre against the separatists in the valley. What is even more significant is that Abdullah senior has had a one to one with the Prime Minister when Congress president Sonia Gandhi is trying to build a national front against BJP’s presidential candidate. In this regard, Sonia Gandhi had met a number of regional leaders in Delhi. Last week, National Conference president Omar Abdullah had met the Congress president Sonia Gandhi but Farooq Abdullah failed to make the appointment. Of late, Abdullah senior had taken a very tough stand against the Centre and had spoken in softly about the stone pelters and the separatist. Many in the BJP attributed it to campaign compulsion and a strategy to corner PDP in the valley. Sources in the BJP indicated that it was Farooq Abdullah who had sought the appointment from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. For now, PDP-BJP governments stand firm and chief minister Mehbooba Mufti continues to reaffirm faith the in the leadership of Modi in solving the problem of Jammu and Kashmir. But Farooq Abdullah meeting the Prime Minister is an indication that regional parties in the valley continue to engage with the idea of Modi and would deal with the Prime Minister independent of its alliances or ideological commitments. (WION)

Farooq Abdullah meets PM Modi, discusses Kashmir issue

<p>Sunday&#39;s&nbsp;bypolls in India&#39;s Kashmir was marked by deadly violence and a poor turnout.</p>

<p>On a day when seven&nbsp;civilians were killed in the troubled state, voting in the Srinagar Lok Sabha seat saw an abysmally low turnout of 6.5 per cent.</p>

<p>Chief Electoral Officer Shantanu told journalists that more than 100 security personnel were also injured in the violence.</p>

<p>When asked as to how many polling stations he expected repoll to be ordered, the officer said it could be anywhere between 50 and 100 booths or maybe more.</p>

<p>Shantanu said Anantnag Lok Sabha seat in south Kashmir, where bypoll is scheduled for April 12, would pose a &quot;bigger challenge&quot;.</p>

<p>Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti&#39;s younger brother Tasaduq Mufti is making his electoral debut from Anantnag.</p>

<p><strong>Violence erupts on voting day</strong></p>

<p>Security forces opened fire on a stone-pelting mob that stormed a polling station in Kashmir&#39;s Budgam district while voting was underway for the Srinagar parliamentary&nbsp;constituency, PTI reported</p>

<p>Hundreds of protesters stormed a polling station at Pakherpora in Charar-e-Sharief area of Budgam district.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In another incident, security forces opened fire on a stone-pelting mob in Budgam&#39;s Beerwah area, resulting in the death of a person.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sporadic incidents of stone pelting were also reported in Srinagar parliamentary constituency, police said.</p>

<p>Separatists had called for a strike asking Kashmiris to boycott the polls. Normal life was affected in three poll-bound districts of the valley because of the strike.</p>

<p>Most of the shops and other business establishments remained closed in Srinagar, Budgam and Ganderbal districts. Public transport also remained off the roads.</p>

<p>The Srinagar Lok Sabha seat fell vacant after ruling PDP&#39;s Tariq Hameed Karra resigned protesting against the deaths of protesters in the wake of the killing of Hizbul commander Burhan Wani.</p>

<p>Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister and&nbsp;National Conference&nbsp;patron Farooq Abdullah is&nbsp;contending the vacant seat with PDP&#39;s Nazir Ahmad Khan.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">J&amp;K: Voting underway for Srinagar Lok Sabha bypoll <a href="https://t.co/GMu2EK1p2J">pic.twitter.com/GMu2EK1p2J</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/850932799511113728">April 9, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>All the polling stations were declared as sensitive or hyper-sensitive keeping in mind threats from terrorist outfits and separatists. &nbsp;</p>

<p>More than 1,500 polling stations were set up for nearly 12.61 lakh electorate. Polling began at 7 am and ended at 5 in the evening.</p>

<p>Kashmir has been divided between India and Pakistan since the end of British rule in 1947. Both claim the disputed territory in its entirety.</p>

<p>Rebel groups in Indian Kashmir have for decades battled troops and police, demanding independence or a merger of the territory with Pakistan.</p>

<p>Around 500,000 Indian soldiers are deployed in the region.</p>

<p>Armed encounters between rebels and government forces have become more frequent following widespread unrest which was sparked by the killing of a popular rebel leader by security forces last July.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Police and army officials say dozens of local youths have joined the rebel ranks since then.</p>

<p>At least 29 armed militants, mostly locals, have died fighting government forces this year.</p>

<p>(WION with inputs from agency)</p>


Deadly clashes, coupled with calls for strike from Kashmiri separatists, meant that voter turnout remained abysmally low at 6.5%

Sunday's bypolls in India's Kashmir was marked by deadly violence and a poor turnout. On a day when seven civilians were killed in the troubled state, voting in the Srinagar Lok Sabha seat saw an abysmally low turnout of 6.5 per cent. Chief Electoral Officer Shantanu told journalists that more than 100 security personnel were also injured in the violence. When asked as to how many polling stations he expected repoll to be ordered, the officer said it could be anywhere between 50 and 100 booths or maybe more. Shantanu said Anantnag Lok Sabha seat in south Kashmir, where bypoll is scheduled for April 12, would pose a "bigger challenge". Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti's younger brother Tasaduq Mufti is making his electoral debut from Anantnag. Violence erupts on voting day Security forces opened fire on a stone-pelting mob that stormed a polling station in Kashmir's Budgam district while voting was underway for the Srinagar parliamentary constituency, PTI reported Hundreds of protesters stormed a polling station at Pakherpora in Charar-e-Sharief area of Budgam district. In another incident, security forces opened fire on a stone-pelting mob in Budgam's Beerwah area, resulting in the death of a person. Sporadic incidents of stone pelting were also reported in Srinagar parliamentary constituency, police said. Separatists had called for a strike asking Kashmiris to boycott the polls. Normal life was affected in three poll-bound districts of the valley because of the strike. Most of the shops and other business establishments remained closed in Srinagar, Budgam and Ganderbal districts. Public transport also remained off the roads. The Srinagar Lok Sabha seat fell vacant after ruling PDP's Tariq Hameed Karra resigned protesting against the deaths of protesters in the wake of the killing of Hizbul commander Burhan Wani. Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister and National Conference patron Farooq Abdullah is contending the vacant seat with PDP's Nazir Ahmad Khan. J&K: Voting underway for Srinagar Lok Sabha bypoll pic.twitter.com/GMu2EK1p2J — ANI (@ANI_news) April 9, 2017 × All the polling stations were declared as sensitive or hyper-sensitive keeping in mind threats from terrorist outfits and separatists. More than 1,500 polling stations were set up for nearly 12.61 lakh electorate. Polling began at 7 am and ended at 5 in the evening. Kashmir has been divided between India and Pakistan since the end of British rule in 1947. Both claim the disputed territory in its entirety. Rebel groups in Indian Kashmir have for decades battled troops and police, demanding independence or a merger of the territory with Pakistan. Around 500,000 Indian soldiers are deployed in the region. Armed encounters between rebels and government forces have become more frequent following widespread unrest which was sparked by the killing of a popular rebel leader by security forces last July. Police and army officials say dozens of local youths have joined the rebel ranks since then. At least 29 armed militants, mostly locals, have died fighting government forces this year. (WION with inputs from agency)

Jammu and Kashmir: Seven dead as violence mars Srinagar bypoll

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