Geelani must know it is secular, not Islamic state: Farooq Abdullah

Farooq Abdullah and Syed Ali Shah Ali Geelani were Wednesday engaged in a war of words with the Union Minister attacking the separatist leader for opposing reopening of cinemas in Kashmir and pitching for a ban on liquor.

"Mr Geelani must know it is a secular state. It is not an Islamic state. It is a liberal democratic country," Abdullah said after Geelani slammed him for advocating reopening of cinema halls and liquor shops in Kashmir, saying there was no place for such "immoral things" in the Valley.

The National Conference leader said he would continue to advocate development of necessary infrastructure for the growth of tourism in Jammu and Kashmir

The NC leader said if Kashmir wants to grow, the state must develop its infrastructure.

"...if Kashmir wants to grow as far as tourism is concerned, all those things that are necessary for getting more tourists to come, we must grow our infrastructure in our state.... be it cinema or other things," the New and Renewable Energy Minister told reporters outside Parliament House.

Cinema halls are closed in the state since 1990 following the outbreak of militancy.

"...and if he (Gilani) thinks that his fatwa is going to do anything to me, it has never done anything to me.... I will continue to say what is right for promoting tourism in our state and let me make it clear to him that we live in a country where all religions are equal. He must realise this," Abdullah said.

Demanding a complete ban on alcohol in Kashmir, Geelani today called for peaceful protests in the Valley on Friday.