Current problem in Kashmir created by India not Pakistan: Congress' Saifuddin Soz

Expressing dissent over veteran lawyer Ram Jethmalani's assertion that tension in Kashmir is created by Pakistan, senior Congress leader Saifuddin Soz blamed India for the unrest in Valley.

"I differ from Ram Jethmalani; current problem in Kashmir is created by India not by Pakistan," Soz said during the 'Improving Indo-Pak Relations' event here.

Jethmalani had said that Kashmir problem was not created by India, but unfortunately by Pakistan.

The duo made their respective statements during the event held in national capital today at IIC building.

Soz maintained his stand even while emerging out of the venue, where the discussion was held as he reiterated his words when media asked him about his controversial remark.

Reports of ruckus also surfaced during the event attended by former Union Minister Mani Shankar Aiyyar, PDP MP Muzzaffar Beg, CPM MP Mohd Salim, Jethmalani, former foreign minister of Pakistan Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri, Pakistan High Commissioner Abdul Basit and many others.

Amidst the furore over the death sentence awarded to alleged Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav by the Pakistan military court, the discussion, which was to be inaugurated by Kasuri, was under the scanner as questions were raised over the timing of the event.

Speaking with ANI, the organiser of the event, O.P. Shah, defended the program stating that the event was scheduled well in advance.

"Till now, no one has expressed the sentiment that this program should be cancelled. I would say that a program like this should be organised again and again," O.P. Shah said.

"Program was scheduled weeks back; such Programs needed as Indo-Pak relations aren't good currently. Till now, no one has expressed the sentiment that this program should be cancelled. I would say that a program like this should be organised again and again," he added.