Central funds for Hurriyat hurt NC: Farooq Abdullah

Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Farooq Abdullah again made a controversial statement on Monday when he said that Hurriyat leaders were also financed by the Centre over a period of time, which led to the marginalisation of nationalist parties from the valley. When DNA specifically asked him about the benefits, Abdullah said, "Don't ask me what was built. Many things were built with the same money. I'm happy with this investigation. Many things will come out." He also said that he has seen the process of funding from close quarters.

This comes in the wake of arrests made by the NIA in the Valley. The NIA claims that those who were arrested were recipients of funds from Pakistan, which they used to fund protests across the Valley.

Abdullah also said that the negative fallout of the funding was felt by his party, which does not receive foreign donations. He also accused other political parties of receiving funds from abroad. Abdullah also stuck to his statement on mediation in the Kashmir impasse, saying that the US doesn't need to sit on the table, but can help in kick-starting the talks. He also disagreed with J&K Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti that any foreign help would turn Kashmir into Syria.

He also said that the Members of Parliament must visit Kashmir so that a dialogue process with the people can be started. "The Prime Minister doesn't need to go. Members of Parliament can visit because with talks, things can be normalized," said Abdullah.