Srinagar, Aug 3: In a veiled attack on Hurriyat Conference (G) Chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Union Minister and National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah Wednesday said that after the custodial death of a youth in Sopore some politicians were giving an impression as if the entire Valley was burning.
 "Jammu and Kashmir government had taken steps to bring the culprits in Sopore custodial death to the book but some politicians are blowing up the incident," Dr Farooq said.
 He said in the aftermath of the youth's death, some politicians were giving an impression as if the entire Valley was burning.
 "It is not as if whole of Kashmir is burning. Normal life is going on," he said.
 Without naming anyone, Dr Farooq said some politicians were not interested in the well being of the poorer sections of the society in Kashmir.
 "They do not want the poor people of Kashmir to earn a livelihood but want to have sumptuous cuisines in their homes," he said apparently referring to the strike called by Hurriyat Conference (G) chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani against the custodial killing of Nazim Rashid at Sopore on July 31.
 "The state government has taken steps to identify the culprits and punish them. The investigations are on," Dr Farooq told reporters on the sidelines of a function here.
 He said nobody wanted that incidents like death of Nazim Rashid in police custody at Sopore in Baramulla district should take place.
 "Now that is has happened. Those responsible will have to bear the consequences," he said.
 In response to a question, Dr Farooq said opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leaders would be in a better position to say how they felt after being stoned by angry residents in Sopore town on Tuesday.
 "Farooq Abdullah did not go there. Those who went will be in a better position to answer this," he added.

Lastupdate on : Wed, 3 Aug 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Wed, 3 Aug 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Thu, 4 Aug 2011 00:00:00 IST