PDP shifts attack to Farooq Abdullah, demand his resignation

Taking its fight against the ruling National Conference to the Centre, the PDP on Thursday demanded the resignation of Union minister Farooq Abdullah over the alleged killing of NC activist Haji Syed Mohammad Yousuf.

The PDP has already been calling for the resignation of chief minister Omar Abdullah and his close confidante Nasir Aslam Wani’s to ensure a fair probe into Yousuf’s death in police custody last Friday.

Yousuf was handed over to the crime branch by Omar after two NC activists complained that he had taken Rs 1.14 crore from them promising them berths in the ministry and the Legislative Council.
Yousuf was reportedly close to the Abdullah family.

“They (government) have registered a case of cheating against the deceased. If you book Yousuf after his death, what about Farooq? He has also pointed the finger at Farooq… Therefore he needs to step down along with his son,” PDP president Mehbooba Mufti said.

The demand for resignation follows claims by Abdul Salam Reshi, who along with Mohammad Yousuf Bhat, had paid money to Yousuf. He was also was among the three NC activists called by Omar to his residence on September 29 to look into complaint against Yousuf.

“I had given money to Yousuf on the instance of Farooq Abdullah (for MLC seat). When no action was taken, I brought  it to the notice of Omar Abdullah. Yousuf called Farooq in front of me and discussed the money to be paid,”  Reshi told DNA.