Jammu and Kashmir's main opposition Peoples Democratic Party claimed on Wednesday that reports of infiltration to the state by Taliban and al-Qaeda cadre were propaganda spread to create an atmosphere of insecurity among the youth of the Valley.
"A sustained propaganda has been launched about alleged arrival of Taliban and Al-Qaeda with the sole aim to create an atmosphere of insecurity among the youth of Kashmir", PDP president Mehbooba Mufti said addressing party workers in south Kashmir's Anantnag and Kokernag. She, however, did not identify the party or individuals
behind such propaganda.
Mehbooba criticised Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for his statement that militants might disrupt the upcoming parliamentary polls, and termed Abdullah's
remarks as a ploy "to ensure" low turn out in Kashmir during the elections.
"The recent statement of Abdullah that the militants may strike during parliamentary elections has created doubts in
the minds of people. It has been observed that less polling always helps one party and that is National Conference",
Mehbooba said.
Apparently referring to the election of of former chief ministers Farooq Abdullah of NC and Congress' Ghulam Nabi Azad to Rajya Sabha, she claimed that barring her party, leaders of all the main parties in the state have taken refuge in Delhi.
"PDP has taken a vow to remain with the people through thick and thin. Our party leadership is not going to leave the
people in lurch but remain with them," she said.