Farooq dares Centre to hoist national flag before PoK

Abdullah’s remarks drew criticism from the BJP, with deputy chief minister Nirmal Singh saying the National Conference leader was strengthening the separatists and militants. He said the tricolour was being hoisted in all parts of the state, including Lal Chowk. 

Abdullah, who had recently claimed Pakistan Occupied Kashmir cannot become a part of India, said he only told facts and that what he spoke about PoK was the “truth”.

“They (Centre and BJP) are talking about raising flag in PoK. I ask them first you go and raise the tricolour at Lal Chowk in Srinagar. They can’t even do that here and they are talking about PoK,” he said. “If you don’t like to hear the truth, then live in the untruth. The truth is that (PoK) is not our part and this (J&K) is not their part. That is the truth,” Abdullah said defending his comment that PoK does not belong to India. 

He was speaking to reporters after paying floral tributes to Congress leader and MP the late G L Dogra on his 30th death anniversary. 

Asked whether he was not hurting the Indian sentiment by making such comments, he retorted, asking “What is Indian sentiment? You think I am not an Indian? 

When asked to comment on the recent killing of an armyman on leave, he said the Centre should be asked the question as it claimed peace had returned to Kashmir after demonetisation.