PM spoke like elder brother: Sajjad Lone
The ex-separatist leader mum on ties with BJP
By : DC Correspondent
Update: 2014-11-11 07:08 GMT
New Delhi: Former Kashmiri separatist leader Sajjad Lone has already announced that his People’s Conference will contest the Assembly election on its own and will take a decision on the possible alliance after the election results are announced.
Before jumping into the electoral fray, Mr Lone was part of the Mirwaiz-led faction of the Hurriyat conference. Claiming that his meeting with the Prime Minister was entirely personal, Mr Lone praised him saying, “Mr Modi was so large hearted that it was tough to say whether I was meeting the PM of India or my elder brother.
I was pleasantly surprised with his down to earth personality. I basically came to meet the PM as a Kashmiri and was glad to know that he is keen on overall development of Kashmir. The PM wants to make the Valley the most beautiful place in the world and wants to promote tourism in a big way.”
The Kashmiri leader claimed that he and the Prime Minister primarily discussed major investment opportunities in Kashmir. Sources claimed Mr Lone also discussed the recent devastating floods in the Valley and the difficulties being faced by people in its aftermath.
The People’s Conference leader said, “I have discussed only Kashmir problems with the Prime Minister. He apprised me of his vision about smart city project for the Valley and I requested for additional relief and rehabilitation for the flood-hit people in the state.”
When asked whether there was a discussion on post-poll alliance, Mr Lone said “Let the results come out. Our party is not averse to having an alliance with anyone for we don’t believe that party ‘A’ is good and party ‘B’ is bad.”
The BJP got a shot in the arm in the J&K during the Lok Sabha polls as the saffron party registered its best performance winning three of the six seats.