Jammu [India], Nov. 27 : Days after coming under major flak for saying that India cannot make a claim over Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) like an 'inherited property of forefathers', former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abdullah on Sunday reiterated his stand and lashed out at critics for branding him as anti-national.
Speaking to ANI here, Abdullah said that PoK belongs to Pakistan and there is no question of waging a war as both hostile neighbours will never recover from it.
"Aksai Chin has been handed over to China by Pakistan, have we raised that matter with China? Have they got Masood Azhar back? We have done none of these things.
I don't get what is the battle about? Why battle over something that is not yours? Why blame me for what I'm seeing on the ground? I see that we can't take their area and vice versa.
Who the hell are they to call me anti-national?," he said. Earlier, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) condemned Abdullah's assertion that Pakistan occupied Kashmir is not a personal property to be inherited and asked him to tender an apology for using an intemperate language related to India's sovereignty.
"It is extremely condemnable if it is true. It needs to be clarified. How can he make such a statement? Is he not aware of the resolution of Parliament on this? Can he use such kind of intemperate language related to India's sovereignty?" asked BJP spokesperson Nalin Kohli.
Reprimanding Abdullah for his statement, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) also said the former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister has proved that he is not an Indian and is not concerned about the country's interests.
Speaking to ANI, RSS leader Indresh Kumar said, "Farooq Abdullah's statement questioning India's claim on PoK is disrespect to the sacrifices made by the Indian soldiers for Kashmir." "This is also a reality that PoK has never joined Pakistan.
The people of PoK from 70 years are calling to become a part of India. Abdullah has proved that he is not an Indian," he added. The National Conference leader stirred a controversy earlier on Friday by questioning India's claim on PoK and said it isn't the country's paternal property.
"PoK is presently under Pakistan occupation. It is not the personal property of India so that it could make a claim over it like an inherited property of forefathers," he was quoted as saying by News 18 website while addressing a function in the Chenab Valley.
Source: ANI
