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Nexus Between Kashmiri Politicians and Militants: JK Chief Minister

By Fayaz Wani

Srinagar, Aug 10: For the first time in the past 19 years of turmoil in Kashmir, the chief minister of the strife torn Jammu and Kashmir state has claimed that there is a nexus between the militants and the politicians in Kashmir.

Talking to a private-television channel in Kashmir, the pro-India chief minister of J&K, Ghulam Nabi Azad asserted that there was a nexus between some politicians and militants in the State.

"It is true that in restive Jammu and Kashmir some politicians and over ground workers of militants have had a liaison with militants for several years and they take their help. We are maintaining a full watch on them," the J&K chief minister said.

The J&K chief minister, who also holds the important home portfolio said, "I have identified some politicians, who are supporting the Over Ground Workers (OGWs) of the various militant organizations. We are not going to warn them to leave all this but in coming time we are going to initiate action against these politicians."

"We have prepared a list of such politicians involved in these kinds of activities and stern action would be initiated against them at the appropriate time", he said.

This is for the first time during 19 years of turmoil in Kashmir that pro-India chief minister has publicly acknowledged that there is a nexus between the Kashmiri politicians and militants.

Fayaz Wani reports on life in Srinagar, Kashmir.