Farooq Abdullah Backs Modi Government For Hosting Pakistan Probe Team

Srinagar: Striking a tone different from parties like Congress, National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah today backed the government for hosting Pakistan's probe team on Pathankot attack, saying it is time for the two countries to give up animosity and push friendship.

The former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir and Union minister said India and Pakistan have to join hands to defeat terror in the sub-continent and usher peace and prosperity in this state.

"It is a very good step that India allowed the Pakistani JIT (Joint Investigation Team) to visit Pathankot. If we want to improve relations with the neighbouring country, then what is the harm in joining hands to see who is responsible for such attacks. They have come as they want to know who are responsible. So, let them see and then they will give their report on their return," Mr Abdullah said.

His support to the government over the issue comes at a time when Congress and Aam Aadmi Party are slamming the Modi dispensation for hosting the JIT.

"What happened in Lahore and if India decides to send its team there, I don't think Pakistan will have any objections," Mr Abdullah said addressing workers at a function in Srinagar.

He said India and Pakistan would have to sit together to find solutions to the issues confronting the two countries.

"There is no other option. We have had enough animosity and now time has come to take the friendship forward," he said even as he cautioned that "there are some powers in both the countries who do not want peace as they earn their bread and butter on our blood."

Reiterating that the solution to Jammu and Kashmir issue lies in keeping that part of the state with that country and this part with India, Mr Abdullah said Line of Control should be opened to allow easy movement of people from both sides of Kashmir.

"Give Autonomy to this part of Kashmir and also give autonomy to the other part. This issue of Kashmir will get solved automatically," he said while batting for opening new routes on the LoC to allow easy travel and trade between the two sides.

He said India and Pakistan have to join hands to fight terrorism and "till that happens we would not get rid of terrorism".