Muhammad Ali Jinnah didn't want a separate country: Farooq Abdullah

JAMMU: Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah claimed that Muhammad Ali Jinnah didn't want a separate country for Muslims, but happened due to Indian leaders' refusal to accept minority status for Muslims and Sikh in the country.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Pakistan was created due to Indian leaders' refusal to accept minority status for Muslims and Sikh in the country, Abdullah claimed
• He also blamed Jawaharlal Nehru, Maulana Azad and Sardar Patel for creation of Pakistan.

"Jinnah was not going to divide the country. The commission was delivered and the decision was taken that India would be divided. It said we will keep a special representation for Muslims. We will keep special dispensation for minorities and Sikh, but will not let the nation divide," he said during a function at Sher-e-Kashmir Bhavan here.

Abdullah further said it was political leaders Jawaharlal Nehru, Maulana Azad and Sardar Patel's refusal to the commission that led to Jinaah's demand for Pakistan."Jinnah agreed but Jawaharlal Nehru, Maulana Azad and Sardar Patel did not agree. When this did not happen it was then that Jinnah demanded for Pakistan. Or else there would have been no separation. 

There would have been no Bangladesh, no Pakistan; there would have been one India," Abdullah said.The National Conference (NC) patron also decried the misuse of religion for political and electoral gains. 

Elaborating on the attempts by divisive forces in the state with an eye on ensuing elections, Abdullah said Jammu and Kashmir has to flourish and progress as a single entity.Responding to NC patron's comment on Pakistan creation, Union minister of state for personnel and public grievances Jitendra Singh on Sunday urged Abdullah to "reread history."