Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik on Mondayexpressed regret over his remark that militants should stop killing innocentpeople and target the corrupt, saying it was made in a “fit of anger andfrustration”.
Malik said he should not have made the comment as constitutionalhead of the state but it did reflect his feelings and he will say the samething when he is not governor.
“It was in a fit of anger and frustration due torampant corruption here. Wherever I dig, I find their corruption. I should nothave made such comments as I am the constitutional head but what I said is myfeeling on the issue. Once I am not the governor, I will still say the samething. I am ready to face the consequences for it,” Malik told televisionchannels.
On Sunday, Malik stoked controversy during his address at afunction in Kargil in Ladakh region.
“These boys who have picked up guns are killing theirown people, they are killing PSOs (personal security officer) and SPOs (specialpolice officers). Why are you killing them? Kill those who have looted thewealth of Kashmir. Have you killed any of them?” Malik had asked.
National Conference leader Omar Abdullah was quick torespond.
“Save this tweet – after today any mainstreampolitician or serving/retired bureaucrat killed in J&K has been murdered onthe express orders of the Governor of J&K Satyapal Malik,” Abdullahsaid on the microblogging site.
The former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister said thegovernor should check out his own reputation in Delhi before sanctioningunlawful killings.
“This man, ostensibly a responsible man occupying aconstitutional position, tells militants to kill politicians perceived to becorrupt.
“Perhaps the man should find out about his ownreputation in Delhi these days before sanctioning unlawful killings &kangaroo courts,”
Reacting to Abdullah’s criticism, Malik said the formerchief minister is behaving like a political juvenile who tweets on everything.
“Ask the people about my reputation and his reputationas well. I am here because of my reputation in Delhi and you are, where you areright now, because of your reputation,” he said.
Malik said he neither had the name of his father or grandfatherto fall back up on nor the wealth.
“I have come here from a one-and-half room house and Iguarantee you that I will leave after exposing their corruption,” headded.