Mehbooba, Naeem RSS mouthpieces: MLA Rashid

Protesting against coalition government’s ‘anti-Kashmir policies’ independent lawmaker from Langate, Engineer Rasheed Thursday said Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti was a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) ‘mouthpiece’.

“Mehbooba Mufti is a RSS mouthpiece,” Rashid said while responding to a question about the Chief Minister’s denial regarding construction of Sainik Colonies in Kashmir.

“I respect Mehbooba and Naeem Akhtar but unfortunately both of them are nothing but RSS mouthpieces,” he said, “If they have denied the allegations why are their friends in the BJP adamant that the colonies will be constructed.”

Rashid and hundreds of his supporters today held protests, which were later foiled by the police, in south Kashmir’s Kulgam town against construction of Sainik colonies, composite townships for Kashmiri Pandits and the new Industrial policy.

“None of these things is acceptable to Kashmiri people. We warn the government against going ahead with its anti-Kashmir policies,” Rashid said, “Sainik colonies over our dead bodies.”

Construction of Sainik colonies have been creating ripples in Kashmir’s political circles after it leaked recently that the state government has identified land for the same.

Opposition as well as separatists have warned of protests against the formation of these colonies.

Engineer was asked about issues he intends to raise in the upcoming Budget session of the legislative assembly to which he said, “How many issues does one take up. Killings are rampant, people want a plebiscite, police has gone berserk and you have seen that today, Sainik Colonies, composite townships. I am at loss what to choose and what not.”