Srinagar, Sept 10 (JKNS): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday defended National Conference Chief Spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq over his remarks on the historical socio-economic conditions of Kashmir, saying there was no need for him or the party to apologise or issue any clarification.
Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, CM Omar, as per news agency JKNS, said Tanvir’s statement was based on historical facts and had also been documented by historians, including Walter Lawrence.
“What Tanvir said is historically accurate. He does not need to apologise or clarify what he said,” Omar said.
“There was a time when Kashmiris were so poor that they had to come to the city with their pyjamas from the mosque. This is not Tanvir’s own thinking. This is a historical fact,” he said.
CM Omar said Kashmiris had suffered extreme poverty and exploitation under zamindars, chakdars and landlords, adding that several senior National Conference leaders had spoken about the same historical circumstances.
He said the remarks should not be turned into a controversy and alleged that the BJP and PDP were playing a “match” together on the issue.
“Tanvir did not do anything wrong,” the Chief Minister said.
The remarks had earlier drawn criticism from BJP J&K spokesperson Altaf Thakur, who accused Tanvir Sadiq of insulting Kashmiris over his reported reference to the traditional garment ‘Yazar’ and his remarks concerning former Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah.
Thakur termed the remarks “deeply disrespectful and insulting” and said Kashmir’s traditional dress and way of life should be understood in their historical and cultural context rather than being used to ridicule or belittle the people.
He also referred to Kashmir as “Peer-e-Vaer” and said the region had a rich cultural and spiritual heritage.
Thakur demanded that Tanvir Sadiq withdraw his remarks and tender a public apology to the people of Kashmir, saying political leaders should be accountable for their statements concerning the history, culture and dignity of the people. (JKNS)
