Governer’s ‘killing’ remark: Omar says ‘stop politics, focus on work’, PDP advises ‘caution’

Srinagar, Feb 1: Governor Satya Pal Malik’s remarks targeting the state’s political leaders have evoked sharp criticism from the political parties here on Friday.
Addressing a Kissan Mela in Akhnoor on Thursday, the Governor had said that the leaders of Jammu and Kashmir want the “youths to get killed” to keep New Delhi under pressure.
The mainstream political parties called his remarks as “unfortunate” and questioned his stand on dissolving the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly.
Former chief minister and senior National Conference leader Omar Abdullah asked the governor to “focus on his work and stop playing politics”.
“Please stop with the insults & snide remarks Mr Governor. They do not behove a person in your position. It is only my respect for the office you occupy that stops me from repeating what all you told me when we met. @jandkgovernor. Please stop playing politics & focus on your work,” Omar tweeted.
General Secretary National Conference Ali Sagar said, “Such unbecoming language is not expected from the Governor. NC will never endorse the youth killings and resorting to such cheap tactics.”
On the other hand, PDP Chief Spokesperson Rafi Mir said it was very unfortunate that such remarks were coming from the highest office of the state.
“This turmoil has been going on from the last thirty years and various governments including NDA lead by Vajpayee tried to solve the problem politically. The incumbent governor is nullifying everything in one go,” he said, none of the previous governors acted this way.
The PDP Spokesperson said, “He should take lot of care even if it’s a personal opinion. There should be certain rules and regulations taken while drafting his speech. This way the valleyites will get more alienated.”
Congress Spokesperson Ravinder Sharma said, “Governor sometimes overreacts. What he said is true to some extent.  There is a section of Kashmirs and political parties who instigate the youth by showing them big dreams.”
He said, “This is done to get them trapped in militancy and unrest. So as far as situation and observations are concerned, it may be true but simultaneously Governor is not supposed to speak in such an unpleasant language.”