Stone-pelters are fighting for resolution of Kashmir issue: Farooq Abdullah

Srinagar: National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah sparked a controversy by claiming that stone-pelting youth were sacrificing their lives for resolution of the Kashmir issue which most of the people of the valley wish for.

"If the stone pelting youth is giving up their life, they are not doing it for tourism. They are sacrificing their life so that the destiny of this nation is decided which should be acceptable to the people of this place. This needs to be understood," said Abdullah while addressing an election meeting in Sonawar constituency here.

Abdullah made the remarks in retaliation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's statement on April 2 at the inauguration of Chenani-Nashri tunnel that the Kashmir youth should choose between tourism and terrorism.

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"The Prime Minister said here after inaugurating the tunnel that the youth should think whether they want tourism or terrorism. I want to tell Modi sahib tourism is our lifeline, there is no doubt about it. But who is a stone-pelter has nothing to do with tourism. He will starve to death but he is pelting stones for his nation and there is a need to understand this," Abdullah said.

It may be mentioned that Abdullah is contesting the by-election to Srinagar Lok Sabha seat as the joint candidate of opposition National Conference and Congress. The constituency is scheduled to go for polls on April 9.