I am talking of individual freedom and not separation when it comes to Kashmir: Ved Pratap Vaidik

Veteran journalist and political analyst Ved Pratap Vaidik said on Tuesday that he has been in favor of individual freedom and not separation.

Ved Pratap Vaidik told ANI, "While talking about the freedom of Kashmir, I have always maintained yes to freedom and no to separation. By freedom here, I mean the freedom of the people of Kashmir. They should have the same freedom that I have in Delhi and any other leader or journalists in Lahore. Both Kashmirs should be made one. There should be bridge, rather than a gorge."

"I have always said that separating Kashmir from India can be a very wrong step. It will be more harmful for Pakistan and Kashmir than India. I have always been in favor of freedom. Every man should be free under democracy," he added.

Clearing his views further he said, "We should be aware of the true meaning of federalism. I said that they (Kashmir) should get autonomy, which they have. Isn't Omar Abdullah a Kashmiri? Is he a Bihari? I am talking about individual freedom."

"I haven't asked for the removal of Article 377. It is about combining the two parts of Kashimir to make it one. We need to take this matter with seriousness and not lightly like some TV channels have been doing," he added.

Ved Pratap Vaidik met Lashkar-e-Taiba (let) chief, Hafiz Mohammad Saeed on July 2 in Pakistan sparking a controversy after his pictures with the Pakistani Islamist leader emerged on social media.