Srinagar, Feb 27: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday said that it was not Army’s job to float political parties in Jammu and Kashmir.
 “The issue about former militants floating a political party in the state has been blown out of proportion. It has been projected as if Ministry of Home Affairs and Army are behind this move. I want to make it clear that it is not Army’s job to float political parties,” Omar told Greater Kashmir.
 Omar said that former militants and Ikhwanis (counter-insurgents) have been participating in the elections since 1996 and “It is nothing new.” “They did win some seats in 1996 when Kuka Parray was their commander, but the past few elections have been totally free and fair and people have rejected them (Ikhwanis) out-rightly. They (Ikhwanis) did not win a single seat in 2008 elections. Fact is that people do not vote for them. You need to give credit to Kashmiri voters, they know well who is who,” he added.
 Asked would floating a political party empower the former militants, Omar said, “Somebody being an Ikhwani or a former militant doesn’t mean that he will be able to hijack the entire political process.”
 “Till date many former separatists and militants have contested the elections and we have seen their performance,” Omar said in a sarcastic tone.  
 The Chief Minister reiterated that he would not allow the revival of Ikhwan. “The rumours about Ikhwan being revived are baseless. My government is trying its best to ensure that peace and prosperity returns, and people live a dignified life,” Omar added.
 Pertinently, a few New Delhi based newspapers had reported that former militant commanders of the Valley have decided to float political parties ahead of the Panchayat elections.

Lastupdate on : Sun, 27 Feb 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sun, 27 Feb 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Mon, 28 Feb 2011 00:00:00 IST