Mufti Sayeed credits Pakistan for peaceful polls

NEW DELHI: Pakistan as well as armed militants and Kashmir’s Hurriyat Conference deserve credit for allowing peaceful polls in the state recently, Chief Minister Mufti Muhammad Sayeed said shortly after he was sworn in as the head of a new coalition government in Srinagar on Sunday.

Know more: BJP coalition form government in Indian-held Kashmir

Mr Modi whose Bharatiya Janata Party is part of the ruling coalition was present during the ceremony.

Flanked by Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh of BJP and cabinet minister Haseeb Drabu, Mr Sayeed said: “God forbid if they (militants) had done something. It would not have been possible to have smooth conduct of the elections.”

Thanking the “people from across the border” too, he said, “People from across the border made the atmosphere conducive. They also have assets — Hurriyat, militants... if they had done something (during the election) such a participation of people would not have been possible. This gives us hope”.

The BJP refused to be drawn into the controversy. “The peaceful polls in Jammu and Kashmir, was conducted with the support of the Election Commission and other security agencies, besides those who believe in the Indian Constitution,” said Bharatiya Janata Party National Secretary Shrikant Sharma.

Published in Dawn, March 2nd, 2015

On a mobile phone? Get the Dawn Mobile App: Apple Store | Google Play

Houthis unleash barrage of drone, missile strikes on Saudi Arabia

Power utilities seek up to Rs5 tariff raise

Russia bombs art school used as shelter in Mariupol

Syngenta Pakistan appoints Tabbish Mahmood as Head of Digital Services & Business Development

Comments (63) Closed

so das

Mar 02, 2015 07:23am

After reading this I thanked local criminals that they have not done any harm to my life and property yesterday.

Recommend 0

janis

Mar 02, 2015 07:34am

Thanks to militants, hurriyat and Pakistan for letting kashmiris live in peace and hope you stay that way and this will lead to their prosperity and well being.

Recommend 0

Allaisa

Mar 02, 2015 07:36am

So the armed militants (a euphemism for terrorists), Pakistan Government and the Hurriet are all equal in the eyes of Honorable CM of Kashmir Mr Mufti.

Recommend 0

chandan singh

Mar 02, 2015 07:38am

Election in Kashmir held peacefully becouse of people of Jammu and Kashmir, our brave security forces and indeed election commission. Separatists have done every effort to distrupt the elections by issuing boycott notices while so many Pakistani terrorists have been killed during elections and many Pakistani terrorists have been stopped infiltrating into j&k. Therefore giving credit to enemies is a big blunfer by newly elected cm. May be his statement was a joke about militants, Huriyat and Pakistan who tried their best to disturb the election process but failed in their attempts.

Recommend 0

jaatboy

Mar 02, 2015 07:43am

Goes on to show that pak uses terrorist organizations as strategic elements.we will not forget this

Recommend 0

Kalandar

Mar 02, 2015 07:47am

Looks like Pakistan army, Nawaz and JuD/LeT want Indian democracy in Kashmir. Have we really gave up Kashmir?

Recommend 0

Madan

Mar 02, 2015 07:52am

The credit for a peaceful polling in J&K goes to the people and not to any body else.The verdict of the people's wishes should be highlighted and supported by all including Pakistan.The hurryaties and illegal intruders should not be placated by Mufti Sahib because these people were losers and they will be losers in future.

Recommend 0

krishan gopal

Mar 02, 2015 07:54am

So what about terrorist attacks during election Mr. CM.. election commission and security forces should be given credit for the success of these elections...but its ok I do not expect this from u too..

Recommend 0

Sheryar Khan

Mar 02, 2015 07:57am

Not that pakistan didn't try. The credit goes to the army for keeping Pakistani terror at bay.

Recommend 0

Manjeet

Mar 02, 2015 08:01am

Is it a good thing or a bad thing? To me it appears that mufty acknowledged that Pakistan interferes in internal matter of India.

Recommend 0

Zak

Mar 02, 2015 08:08am

“I want to say on record and I have told this to the Prime Minister (Narendra Modi), that we must credit the Hurriyat, Pakistan and militant outfits for the conduct of assembly elections in the state,” Mr Sayeed was quoted as telling a media conference shortly after he took the oath of office. Indian lies exposed. So the kashmiri freedom fighters crossing the loc, as stated by Indian army, was lies. Based on those lies, the indian army started unprovoked firing , killing kashmiris on both sides of the Loc. Kashmiris talk independently as a nation from India.

Recommend 0

Zak

Mar 02, 2015 08:08am

Only plebiscite will resolve this issue.

Recommend 0

Vasan

Mar 02, 2015 08:12am

Newly swarmed in Chief Minister Mufti Muhammad Sayeed, from his new statement about successful Kashmir elections, firstly insulted the brave Kashmiri voters who wanted better administration, and security forces who guarded the border and finally the Election commission of India. I hope his party will be completely lost in next elections. The success of this election is due to increased faith in democracy, and faith in the Indian administration, violence never won in history!

Recommend 0

Vijay

Mar 02, 2015 08:13am

But....Pakistan ready to accept India conducted free n fair elections. ?

Recommend 0

Sudhanshu Swami

Mar 02, 2015 08:13am

Statement has contradiction. Credit for election goes to people who were bycotting elections. And Credit for Election (means approving India's rule) goes to Pakistan who wants Kashmir to be under her rule !

Recommend 0

Chirkut

Mar 02, 2015 08:16am

Back-handed compliment?

Recommend 0

kashmiri pandit

Mar 02, 2015 08:17am

Before Pakistani start jumping he thank Pakistan for not sending infiltrators to create trouble during election lOl

Recommend 0

Jason

Mar 02, 2015 08:19am

Yes! Thanks to Pakistan for realizing the difference between manmohan and Modi and keeping your puppets with yourself!

Recommend 0

Guru

Mar 02, 2015 08:20am

We cannot expect a cheetah to change its spots. Once a traitor, always one.

Recommend 0

blogger

Mar 02, 2015 08:20am

The Mufti thinks that the polls were Muft conducted without the Indian Election Commision and Security Forces.Without the security in Srinagar he would not have been able to take his oath of office.He should ask Pakistan what rights and freedom the people of Pak Kashmir have been given,its better he makes a survey there soon.

Recommend 0

Mar 02, 2015 08:27am

Stopping cross border terrorism will bring great stability and peace in region.

Recommend 0

Aslam

Mar 02, 2015 08:40am

Not good for Pakistan. His credit to Pakistan highlights the fact that Pakistan is creating problems in Kashmir.

Recommend 0

Dinesh Singh

Mar 02, 2015 08:41am

India should not mind Chief Minister giving credit to Pakistan and Hurriyat for the peaceful poll as long as it is in the long term and creditable interest of Kashmir and India. Though we know it very well how the peace was maintained at the cost of life of our Colonel and 11 other brave hearts. Credit should also go armed forces of India and those who lost their fathers and husbands in this needless war. We are confident that one day India's view and stand would succeed in bringing long term peace in this region.

Recommend 0

sri

Mar 02, 2015 08:41am

The way I see it is the opposite of a back handed compliment. He is actually suggesting that Pakistan controls terror in Kashmir and this time they held back.

Recommend 0

MG Indian

Mar 02, 2015 08:50am

Funny or what ? Mr. Mufti seem to be delusional, it was the Indian Armed Forced who were vigilant day and night to keep everyone safe. According to his logic we should credit and owe thanks to Bin Laden for not taking down another tall building.

Recommend 0

zak

Mar 02, 2015 08:52am

Credit should be given where it is due, thanks Muftiji.

Recommend 0

S.A.Sampath

Mar 02, 2015 08:57am

I don't know if it is believable. Both hurriat as well as militant outfit stand to loose by large turnout in J&K for state elections.

Recommend 0

raja hindustani

Mar 02, 2015 09:08am

Mr. Mufti, what abt role of J&K police and Indian security force in J&K election? Remove your security if you think they are useless & done nothing in this election. tomorrow if there is development work will be done in kashmir; would you give credit of that to your govt or that credit will also go to pakistan & militants??

Recommend 0

ganesh

Mar 02, 2015 09:08am

The chief minister elect's remark infact translated to his"Acknowledgement" on Record that Pakistan and Huriyat Miltants are responsible for "Instability and problems " In Kashimir I sthe Cm elects statment a "Compliment to Pakistan ?you Judge for yoursellf

Recommend 0

Mar 02, 2015 09:18am

Agreed. Thanks PK. People on our side may still be angred about past buy moving forward it is good step. Now let's use it to create protocol about saving lives around border.

Recommend 0

Ayer

Mar 02, 2015 09:22am

What a back handed compliment. On one hand he is thanking Pakistan ,on the other he is acknowledging their role in stoking violence in the valley. Will not be appreciated by India or Pakistan.

Recommend 0

Akshay

Mar 02, 2015 09:23am

This is good news. Mufti is essentially corroborating New Delhi's own views that the disruptive and militant elements are indeed funded and operated by the Pakistani establishment. The fact that he feels the need to thank these anti-social elements on a day like this is somewhat unfortunate, but this is, no doubt, also done with the strategic objective of placating the separatist sentiments in the valley. The un-orthodox alliance of BJP and PDP (which has seen former separatists like Sajjad Lone join the govt) has provided disgruntled Kashmiris with an alternative avenue for voicing and empowering themselves. This has essentially made the Hurriyat lose even more ground in the valley at a time when their relevance was on a rapid decline. Mufti's statements, therefore, can be seen as a preemptive attempt to lull the potential heartburn the Hurriyat is likely to endure in the days to come. For better peace in the region, all stakeholders including the Hurriyat, have to be brought on board. After decades of batting for the Pakistanis, the hurriyat is keen to look for opportunities within India's democratic setup. They are pragmatic after all.

Recommend 0

B R Chawla

Mar 02, 2015 09:27am

Why not thank them for their no nonsense behaviours that was primarily because do the resolve of the people to prefer ballot over the bullet and of course by the vigil of security agencies.

Recommend 0

PureThought

Mar 02, 2015 09:27am

Muftiji forgot to thank land of pure's Army and ISI. In case anyone missed, NW is made out of bounds for journalists and is being carpet bombed so as to hunt down militants who attacked Army school. Of course those who kill Shias, infidels or infidel neighbors are taken care of in luxury houses. Please take their advice too, as they know a thing or two on building civilian society, having successfully accomplished in Afghanistan.

Recommend 0

@Difusal

Mar 02, 2015 09:31am

Yes Really.....

Recommend 0

Dipankar Sarkar

Mar 02, 2015 09:38am

"we must credit the Hurriyat, Pakistan and militant outfits for the conduct of assembly elections in the state” Doesn't this imply who are responsible for the violence in J&K?

Recommend 0

sanjaygupta@gmail.com

Mar 02, 2015 09:48am

misquoted meaning of speech.Real credit goes to indian army.

Recommend 0

Arun Kumar

Mar 02, 2015 09:48am

It can be read both ways.one can say that he meant it was Pakistan forces which kept on disrupting election proceedings in Indian Kashmir. Whatever it may be, Kashmiris are going to witness something wonderful.If nothing untoward happens, within 10 years Indian held Kashmir and Pakistan held Kashmir will be like south Korea and north Korea(a little exaggerated,I agree; or more like the west and east Germany).but the difference is going to be eminent.with bjp in both centre and state, money is going to flow and considering modi's character, he will be taking extra care to showcase Kashmir to the world as his personal achievement and dream project.just think how great a feat it would be to him. If this happens, piece loving kashmiris are going to flow into Indian kashmir from the other side of the border.till now Kashmir hasn't experienced peace or development.Now is the time.

Recommend 0

Abbasi

Mar 02, 2015 09:51am

@Dipankar Sarkar It also implies that Pakistan wants stability in Kashmir now

Recommend 0

ssW

Mar 02, 2015 09:51am

It clearly indicates the love of the terrorists for the Indian Democracy!They kept quiet while the democracy was going thru its most natural motions.By assigning top priority to the elections ,the Kashmiris are using the terrorists not to get freedom or merge into Pakistan ,but to milk more benefits from the central government.

Recommend 0

Rajat

Mar 02, 2015 09:51am

Lol...credits....more like a back handed compliment!

Recommend 0

Yugandar

Mar 02, 2015 09:58am

@Allaisa Yes, all three are one and same in Kasmir issue. It may be surprise for you but not for people of Kashmir/ Indians. As Pakistan is fighting some of the militants, the violence itself has gone down in Kashmir. I guess the militants within Pakistan have a reason now to fight without crossing borders. Keep it up and finish them without segregating good/bad terrotists.

Recommend 0

Vasudhaiba kutumbakam

Mar 02, 2015 10:05am

People of Kashmir have rejected the so called stakeholders i:e Pakistan and hurriyat.

Recommend 0

Mar 02, 2015 10:07am

Smart guy Mufti...slapping the Pakistanis with the left hand...Telling them in a nice way that Pakistan has been responsible for all the trouble in Kashmir and for some time there was no interference from Pakistan and the polls could be peacefully without trouble in Kashmir...LoL

Recommend 0

Ashraf

Mar 02, 2015 10:10am

What Mr.Saeed is saying indirectly is that violence in Kashmir was caused by Pakistan and there is no such thing as an indigenous uprising.

Recommend 0

Indian

Mar 02, 2015 10:11am

@Zak Issue is aleady resolved.

Recommend 0

vin

Mar 02, 2015 10:11am

I think he is joking when he thanked Pakistan for peaceful election. I like his sense of humor.

Recommend 0

G O Gujjar Gujjar

Mar 02, 2015 10:29am

@Zak You want to put salt on India's bleeding wounds! Well said !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Recommend 0

GKI

Mar 02, 2015 10:32am

Indirectly he has identified them as troublemakers.

Recommend 0

BRR

Mar 02, 2015 10:33am

It is like saying - "I would like to thank pakistan for not killing more people during the elections, for not sending more killers to disrupt life here."

Recommend 0

rich05

Mar 02, 2015 10:51am

@chandan singh no its smart move meamimg all trouble in kashmir are created by pak not locals

Recommend 0

Ganesh

Mar 02, 2015 11:05am

So people in Pakistan feeling proud ??? !! It is like slap with back hand where he is implicitly suggesting in the past Pakistan and Huriyat disrupted elections in J&K....

Recommend 0

Anwar Amjad

Mar 02, 2015 11:08am

Freedom activists in Kashmir voted in the polls to prevent BJP from gaining control in the valley. Now they will corner Indian government through the state assembly into resolving Kashmir issue according to the will of the people. Let us see how the so-called champions of democracy handle them.

Recommend 0

Zak

Mar 02, 2015 11:13am

Told you, resolution of kashmir has been decided, according to wishes of kashmiris. Now just the process to reach the conclusion, each his own way, for political purposes.

Recommend 0

XYZ

Mar 02, 2015 11:18am

thanks all the three, you actually didnt do any harm or you was unable to do any harm.

Recommend 0

Zak

Mar 02, 2015 11:20am

I see the fickleness and hypocracy of the indians on this forum. Here this man Modi was lauded as a saviour and his anti minority religion agenda was exalted. But now that he has made agreements with his own puppet traitor kashmiris under his pay, these same people are finding ways to either disparage him or twist facts to blind themselves to the reality and truth spoken. That is why India will never amount to much, but the big 'Zero' they claim to have invented. Zero toh phir zero here hey!

Recommend 0

sreejesh

Mar 02, 2015 11:35am

Hope pok prime minister gets an opportunity to thank India,huriyat for smooth conduct of election in pok

Recommend 0

Dev

Mar 02, 2015 11:40am

Kashmir CM is indirectly saying that past attack in Kashmir is done by Pakistan and this time Pakistan has not done serious attack while Kashmir election.

Recommend 0

dipak

Mar 02, 2015 11:59am

Mr. modi has come in power. so pakistan knows better what will happen if mumbai type second attemp will cost. thanks to pakistan atleast they understand modiji.

Recommend 0

WhatsthePoint

Mar 02, 2015 12:00pm

That that mean that it was Pakistan that was not allowing people to vote. Probably now it was unable because of the security forces. Or it is busy cleaning its own house. I think before looking at your neighbor ... Pakistan should clean its own house. I can comprehend the fact that a Muslim is killing another Muslim in the name of religion. Where is the peace Islam talks about.

Recommend 0

Dilip

Mar 02, 2015 12:21pm

If Pakistan, Hurriyat and militants are being 'credited for the peaceful polls' held recently, it follows logically then that the 'several deadly attacks' (as reported by this very publication recently in a separate article) e.g. at Uri during Phase 3 are to the 'credit' of... yes, you guessed it -- India, its Election commission and Army/Police !! Am I not right, Mufti sahab...? :-)

Recommend 0

Tranquil

Mar 02, 2015 12:26pm

Mufti Saeed and all Indians trolls one thing you should say thanks to KASHMIRIS WHO PROVED THAT THEIR STRUGGLE FOR FREEDOM IS PEACEFUL AND THEY WILL GET IT THROUGH A DEMOCRATIC WAY. Is also proved that Kashmirs do not believe on violence neither those actors who are true representative fo Kashmiris and proved that they they respect the sentiments of their people. For Indians trolls its a political , or indirectly toward Pakistan. But in real the Election and Kashmiris vote is another milestone in their Struggle to get freedom Via Democratic way. May Allah Bless Kashmiris with Freedom. Independent Kashmirs is desire of millions of Hearts.

Recommend 0

Zak

Mar 02, 2015 09:59pm

Thank you Mr Mufti. You speak the truth for your nation.

Recommend 0

Read more

On DawnNews