In an interview to Greater Kashmir, a prominent local newspaper, Sheikh Nazir replying to a question said: "Before levelling allegations against the Sheikh, people should read history and check the facts. The 1975 accord doesn't have the signature of Sheikh Sahib; neither was it tabled in the state legislature".
Not many among the younger generation of Kashmiris would know that the Sheikh had become chief minister of the state with Congress support after the 1975 accord although his party did not have a single legislator in the state assembly at that time.
"The accord was signed by the two emissaries and the Sheikh came to power after the accord was endorsed by him. Saying that Sheikh had not signed or endorsed the accord is trying to negate history. How did Sheikh assume the reins of power after remaining out of mainstream politics for 22 years after his arrest in 1953," asked M.L. Kak, a senior Kashmiri journalist who lives in Delhi. Kak has extensively reported Kashmir politics for over five decades.
