Kashmir would become Syria, Iraq if America intervenes: Mehbooba Mufti on third party intervention

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Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday criticized National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah for his remarks on Kashmir issue and said that the situation in Kashmir Valley would be same as Syria and Afghanistan if America intervenes on the matter.

"China, America should mind their own business. We all know what is the situation of the countries wherever they intervened be it Afghanistan, Syria or Iraq," Mehbooba said.

"Only bilateral talks between India and Pakistan can help resolve the Kashmir issue," she added.

"As Vajpayeeji said in the Lahore deliration, India and Pakistan should hold talks to resolve Kashmir issue," she said, and questioned, "Does Farooq know what happened in Syria and Afghanistan? 

Mehbooba's statements came in response to Abdullah's remarks wherein he had asked for third party countries like China and U.S to mediate in the Kashmir issue.

On Friday, the National Conference leader and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister said that India has so many allies across the globe, which can be approached for settling the Kashmir issue and act as a mediator between India and Pakistan.

"For how long are you going to wait? Sometimes, you have to pull the bull by its horns. The way is to have a dialogue. India has so many friends all across the world and can ask them to act as a mediator. US President Trump himself said that he wants to settle Kashmir problem. China also said that it wants to mediate in Kashmir. Somebody has to be approached," Abdullah said.

However, Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi criticized Abdullah's remarks and said India doesn't need any third party's involvement in Kashmir.

"India is Kashmir and Kashmir is India. This is our internal matter and no other country should have any say in it," Rahul said.

On July 13, China said it was willing to play a constructive role in improving relations between India and Pakistan, but the Ministry of External Affairs on Saturday rejected any external help.

(With ANI inputs)