Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday criticised the ‘Kashmir million man march’ scheduled to take place in London later this month. Challenging the organisers to hold the march in the State, Mr. Abdullah said it was easier to do such things at cosy places in the West.
“Come to Kashmir, live here and then do it. I have no problem with people propounding an ideology but it would be better to do it from here rather than the cozy environs of London, Paris, Washington and other places,” Mr. Abdullah said at the sidelines of a Police Commemoration function.
Mr. Abudllah said he had far more respect for separatists leaders who actually do it in Kashmir and then face the difficulties that are brought about on account of the law. Separatist leaders, however, criticised Mr. Abdullah for his double-speak and said while he was belittling the march in London by asking Kashmiris living outside to do the rally closer home, his government has been tyrannical to any freedom of speech in the State.