Soibugh (Kashmir): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has accused former CM Mufti Mohammed Sayeed of being responsible for imposition of controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in the state during his tenure as Union Home Minister.
Addressing a public rally yesterday in the native village of Hizbul Mujahideen militant group's head Syed Sallahuddin, Omar also accused Sayeed of imposing Jagmohan as the Governor in the state who ‘unleashed brutality' on the people of the state.
"Mufti Sahab... The memories of the Gaw Kadal, Handwara, Bijbehara, Hawal and other massacres that happened under your (Mufti) tenure as the Home Minister of India are forever etched in our hearts," Omar, who is working president of National Conference, said while addressing rallies here and adjoining Khan Saheb seat.
Omar chose Soibug rally to attack the Mufti and commanders of Hizbul Mujahideen who had announced a unilateral ceasefire with Farooq Abdullah.
"Your (Mufti) reality is known to people of Kashmir. We know that you turned your healing touch into killing touch after becoming the Chief Minister of the state in 2002," he alleged.
Omar made it clear that his party would continue to press the Centre for ‘reversing the erosions in Article 370 and will keep striving for the restoration of Internal Autonomy in Jammu and Kashmir'.
In a veiled attack on the BJP, Omar suggested that those desirous of a debate on Article 370 should read history and know that the state acceded to India based on basic, constitutionally validated conditions that were put in place by Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah which was aimed at protecting aspirations of the people.
"Let me make it very clear to BJP, Congress and PDP - Article 370 is non-negotiable and the only debate one needs to have on Article 370 is about its restoration to its original, pristine form. I have said this on the floor of the Assembly, I have said this as the elected Chief Minister of this state and I say so today as a proud citizen of this state who will never allow any political force to rob us of our rights," Omar said.
