Srinagar 22 June : Congress leader Saifuddin Soz supports former Pakistan president Pervez Musharraf’s statement that Kashmiris’ “first choice” is independence.
“Musharraf had explained that if Kashmiris were given a chance to exercise their free will, they would prefer to be independent. In fact, this assessment of Musharraf seems to be correct even today!” Soz writes in his book called ‘Kashmir: Glimpses of History and the Story of Struggle’.
While reacting on Soz’s statement BJP leader Subramanian Swamy said, he should move to Pakistan, “As a central minister, he benefited from Centre’s power when his daughter was kidnapped by JKLF. There’s no use helping these people. Whoever wants to stay here can stay abiding by the Constitution, if they like Musharraf we’ll give them a one-way ticket (to Pakistan),” Swamy said, referring to militant group Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front abducting Soz’s daughter in February 1991.
The Shiv Sena, an estranged ally of the BJP, said Congress president Rahul Gandhi should explain Soz’s statement. “Congress president needs to reply on Saifuddin Soz’s statement and if Congress vouches for his statement. If he (Soz) has so much affection for Pakistan and Musharraf then he should consider migrating to Pakistan and become his servant,” said Shiv Sena leader Manisha Kayande in Mumbai.