‘Sad to see Indian govt get so low’: IoK cx-CM says strikes on Pakistan was for elections

Linking India's strike on Balakot to its upcoming elections, former chief minister of Indian occupied Kashmir (IoK) Farooq Abdullah said that the airstrikes carried out in Pakistan was a gimmick purely for elections.

Speaking to the Indian media, the former CM of IoK further said that all India gained from these airstrikes was the loss of its jets worth millions of rupees. "This surgical strike was totally for elections," he said, adding that there was no question about any deaths during the strikes. He retorted that all India had gained from the strikes was the loss of its own jet which was worth millions.

The former CM further said India should be thankful that the pilot survived and was returned by Pakistan with respect. "We always knew that there would be a fight with Pakistan. This surgical strike was done as elections are approaching," Abdullah added. He said it was saddening that Indian government can get so low.

While speaking about the elections, Abdullah said that everyone is upset over Election Commission's plan to not hold Assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir. The ex-CM said that the Election Commission can do Parliament elections as the security is okay for that, but they cannot do Assembly elections. He said it was a wrong decision.

Following the Pulwama attack, Abdullah had said India should start peace talks with Kashmiris and not blame Pakistan only for the attack. He also urged India to talk with Kashmiris as using the force of guns and army is not the solution.