Farooq draws flak over his Pak remark, Sena seeks PM’s view

BJP MLA Ravinder Raina on Sunday criticised NC leader Farooq Abdullah over his remarks on Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir and army, and said that it was Indian army which restored peace in the state and helped flourish democracy.

Farooq on Saturday said, “How much can the army defend us even if the entire army of India came to our rescue, they cannot defend us against terrorists or militants. The only way left is to hold dialogue and find a solution.” 

“We condemn the statement of (Farooq) Abdullah over PoK and Army remark. It is highly derogatory remark against our security forces. Indian army is most powerful and capable army in the world,” Raina said on Sunday.

Taking a dig at Farooq that Indian Army cannot defend Kashmir people from terrorists and cross-border militants, Raina said “Indian army is strong enough and capable to meet its target”.

“Farooq should read the history of Indian Army. He is alive along with other Kashmiri politicians and democracy is alive because of supreme sacrifice of our Army,” he said.

It was Indian Army that restored peace and normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir and brought back the democracy by laying down their lives, he said. 

Meanwhile, casting aspersions on former CM of J&K, the Shiv Sena sought reaction of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Farooq Abdullah’s statement.

“PoK is India’s integral part according to the concept of Akhand Bharat (undivided India). Shiv Sena demands that the Prime Minister and the Home Minister should comment on Abdullah’s statement over PoK,” Sena spokesman Sanjay Raut told reporters on the sidelines of his party’s function here.

Raut said that Army should get all powers to deal with terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.

“Our military can march ahead to Pakistan and is capable to demonstrate its strength,” the Sena leader said.

About possible cricket Test series with Pakistan in Sri Lanka, Raut said the Centre should take “sentiments” of people into consideration before deciding on the matter.

“This decision shouldn’t be based on Pakistan Premier Nawaz Sharif’s will,” he added.

Raut reacted with sarcasm when asked about the debate on ‘intolerance’.

"...Indians are always tolerant. We were tolerant to the country’s divide in 1947. We, due to opposition of a few people, couldn’t build temple of Lord Ram at Ayodhya. We are sitting and waiting for the Opposition to build the temple."