KARACHI: The legislature of India-held Kashmir on Saturday witnessed chaotic scenes after a member of the assembly, Akbar Lone, raised pro-Pakistan slogans there.
The National Conference MLA from Sonawari said that he was provoked to raise the slogans after Bharatiya Janata Party MLAs started raising anti-Pakistan slogans in the house.
“Yes, I said it. It is my personal view. I said it in the house and I don’t think anyone should have a problem with it,” Mr Lone was quoted as saying by ANI.
Following his comments, National Conference spokesperson, quoting party president Farooq Abdullah, said that Lone’s action in the assembly was “unacceptable” and the party “disowns and condemns his remarks”.
Endorsing the party’s stand on the issue, senior party leader Omar Abdullah said that instead of getting “distracted” by “misplaced slogans”, the focus should be on a militant attack on a military base in the disputed region on Saturday.
“Totally endorse my party president’s views outlined in these two tweets. The party will say nothing more on this issue,” he said in a tweet.
Meanwhile, the National Conference president blamed Pakistan for the militant attack and urged the country not “to promote terrorism in the region”.
By arrangement with the Times of India
Published in Dawn, February 11th, 2018
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