National Conference demands apology from Mufti Mohammad Sayeed over statement

JAMMU: Demanding an apology from Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed for crediting Pakistan, militants and separatists for the smooth conduct of polls, National Conference today termed the statement an "insult" to the people of the state.

NC MLA Mohammed Akbar Lone pointed out that militants had tried to scuffle the polls and the Hurriyat had lodged an anti-poll campaign in Kashmir Valley, but the people defied the boycott calls and came out in large numbers to vote.

"Mufti sahab should have thanked the people of Jammu and Kashmir for the successful polls. Instead of thanking them, he gave credit to militants, Hurriyat and Pakistan - which is an insult to the people of the state," Lone told reporters here.

"The militants did not leave any opportunity to scuttle the polls. Hurriyat lodged an anti-poll campaign and all attempts were made to disrupt the polls. It is only the people of the state who braved such threats and came out to vote that resulted in the formation of this democratically elected government," he said.

Calling the statement unfortunate, the NC leader demanded an apology from the Chief Minister.

"It is really unfortunate statement that a politician of the caliber of Mufti Sahab has made. Those who voted and made democracy win in Jammu and Kashmir have been denied credit by the Chief Minister.

"This is an insult to the people of the state and Mufti Sahab should not only tender an apology to the people of the state but should also take his words back," the National Conference leader said.