Omar Abdullah, on Wednesday, stirred a hornet’s nest when he claimed that Salman Rushdie’s visit has no bearing on day-to-day concern of Indian Muslims, with some seeking to exploit it for political purposes.
Jammu and Kashmir chief minister, Omar Abdullah, on Wednesday, stirred a hornet’s nest when he claimed that Salman Rushdie’s visit has no bearing on day-to-day concern of Indian Muslims, with some seeking to exploit it for political purposes.
“Is it for the first time that Rushdie is coming to India? Why suddenly is Rushdie becoming an issue? Clearly there are those who are seeking to exploit this for political purposes given the elections in five states. I think we underestimate the intelligence of Indian Muslims when we try and raise issues like this which have no bearing on their day-to-day concern,” Omar told reporters in Jammu, adding that greater concerns about day-to-day livelihood issues of the Muslims, exist in the country.
Omar’s statement has triggered a storm with clergy and opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Leading the charge is grand mufti of Kashmir, Bashir-ud-din, who is the chairman of J&K Muslim Personal Board and heads the Supreme Court of Shairait, in the valley. “My suggestion to Omar is to stay away from this issue. He is either ignorant or trying to feign ignorance. Omar should desist from supporting an apostate like Rushdie,” said mufti Bashir.
Leader of the opposition and PDP president, Mehbooba Mufti, too, lashed out at Omar. “The father-Son (Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah) have no regards for the sensitivities of Muslims. When Muslims in Gujarat were massacred, Omar’s father came in open support of Narendra Modi. Even Omar stayed as minister in the BJP led government,” said Mehbooba.
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