Day after Public Works Minister Naeem Akther said that China was now a “major factor” in Kashmir issue, Bharatiya Janata Party on Wednesday in an apparent snub to Akther said that China has “no stakes in Kashmir and talks with Pakistan are the only option.”
“We are surprised over the statement of Akhter. We disagree (with it),” BJP general secretary (organization), Ashok Koul told Greater Kashmir.
He said, “Akhter wants to divert attention of the people from other issues. There are many important issues and they (PDP) must concentrate on these only.”
The senior BJP leader said, “People should not be taken for a ride by giving such statements.”
He said that role of Pakistan in Kashmir has been established time and again. “Talks with Pakistan are the only option and China should not be made another party,” Koul added.
He however said that before talks, Pakistan should shun “interference”.
“Talks with Pakistan are only possible once the country stops backing militancy and troublemakers in Kashmir,” he said.
It may be recalled that Akhter, who is also government spokesman and senior leader of People’s Democratic Party, had earlier said that the Kashmir issue isn’t limited to the fight between India and Pakistan now. “The consistent vetoing by China to have Jaish chief Azhar Masood designated as a terrorist is linked to the situation in Kashmir. There is another major factor involved. It isn’t Pakistan alone, it is China too,” Akhter had said.