'The Kashmir Files': VP Singh govt was in power, not Congress: NCP chief Sharad Pawar
Says Mufti Mohammad Sayeed had become HM with BJP's help
Pune, Mar 20: NCP chief Sharad Pawar on Sunday said the VP Singh-led government was in power in the country and not Congress as being portrayed in Bollywood movie 'The Kashmir Files', based on the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits from the Valley.
Claiming that some members of BJP were supporting the then VP Singh government, Pawar said Mufti Mohammad Sayeed became Union home minister (from December 1989 to November 1990) with the help of BJP.
"The then governor (of Jammu and Kashmir, Jagmohan) was not even distantly related to Congress," the veteran politician told reporters at Baramati in the Pune district.
Written and directed by Vivek Agnihotri and produced by Zee Studios, 'The Kashmir Files' depicts the exodus of Kashmiri Hindus from Kashmir following systematic killings of people from the community by Pakistan-backed militants.
The film, which was released on March 11, has sparked a debate among political parties.
Pawar said that a kind of writing or movie which divides society should be avoided.
"The film is being used to blame the Congress party and there is an effort to portray that whatever happened had happened when Congress was ruling the country. But if we study it, this (exodus of Kashmiri Pandits) happened when Vishwanath Pratap Singh was leading the country. Some from BJP, which is creating noise on the issue now, were in support of Singh," he said.
"Mufti Mohammad Sayeed who was Union home minister at that time had got the position with the help of BJP. Also, then governor (Jagmohan) was not even distantly related to the Congress," Pawar added.
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Speaker UT Khader attends local cricket tournament during Bhatkal visit
Bhatkal: Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly U. T. Khader visited Bhatkal in Uttara Kannada district on Saturday and attended a local cricket match being played as part of a tournament organised by the Cosmos Sports Centre of Bhatkal.
After attending a programme at Anjuman Hami-E-Muslimeen, Khader proceeded to the Bhatkal Taluka Stadium, where the tournament is underway. He was accompanied by office-bearers of the Cosmos Sports Centre and several local community leaders.
Those present during the visit included President of Majlis-e-Islah Wa Tanzeem and former JD(S) leader Inayathullah Shabandri, Vice President of Tanzeem Atiqur Rahman Muniri, General Secretary Abdul Raqeeb MJ, President of Cosmos Sports Centre Ismail Anjum, Managing Director of Mohtisham Complexes S. M. Arshad, former president of the Bhatkal Muslim Youth Federation Imtiyaz Udyawar, among others.
Addressing players and organisers, Khader extended his best wishes to the participating teams and urged the players to uphold the spirit of sportsmanship. He said such tournaments help promote unity and brotherhood among the youth.
The cricket tournament began on November 21 and will conclude with the final match on December 21. It is being organised as part of the golden jubilee celebrations of the Cosmos Sports Centre.
Cosmos Sports Centre is one of the member clubs of the Bhatkal Muslim Youth Federation and is known for its active role in promoting sports in the town. Apart from sporting activities, the centre is also involved in various social and community initiatives, including efforts to promote education among students.
