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Omar taken aback by Farooq Abdullah's comments on Kashmir

December 03, 2011 20:55 IST

Union Minister and National Conference patron Farooq Abdullah on Saturday said that Pakistan might disrupt the fragile peace process in Jammu and Kashmir.
 
"The turbulent days are slowly getting over. But I want to tell you that we are very scared. I am still scared of my neighbour (Pakistan) and it is not wrong because a very dangerous situation is developing. May God bless them with wisdom and strengthen democracy (in Pakistan)," Farooq told the media at an event in Delhi.
 
He also expressed concern over China's involvement in the Kashmir region.
 
"As a person who closely observes the situation, it is very dangerous for us the way China has turned its attention towards it (Kashmir). But by grace of the God, our people are not willing to support it (militancy)," added Farooq.

Abdullah's comments visibly stumped his son -- Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah -- who had been trying to promote tourism in the troubled state.

Omar Abdullah displayed his displeasure by not shaking hand with his father at the event.

After acknowledging accolades from the front row dignitaries, Dr Abdullah shook hand with Governor N N Vohra and then moved to Omar, who embarrassed him by not extending his hand.

In his brief speech, the 41-year old chief minister said, "It is high time that Jammu and Kashmir should not be looked through security prism only and its rich cultural heritage should be promoted. This year, Jammu and Kashmir had a large number of tourists, surpassing records of the last two decades. This function is to reintroduce Jammu and Kashmir to India to welcome more and more tourists."

With additional inputs from ANI

A correspondent In Delhi