J-K CM's soft corner for separatists, an obstacle to peace: Cong

After Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti asked Pakistan to stop supporting and abetting militancy in the state to pave the way for a dialogue, the Congress branded her move as 'unfortunate.'

Speaking to ANI here, Congress leader Tom Vadakkan said, "Well I don't know which side the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister is? But unfortunately, her soft corner for separatists is going to be an obstacle in bringing peace in the region."

Hailing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Kashmir policy of "tourism to fight terrorism," Vaddam said that an attempt is being made to move forward for peace in the region.

Criticising Mufti's remark, another Congress leader Meem Afzal suggested that the former should firstly discuss the matter with the Centre.

"If she had any problem, she should have raised the issue earlier. I believe, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister firstly should discuss the matter with the Central Government with whom she is running government," Afzal told ANI.

Earlier on Tuesday, the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister asked Pakistan to "stop supporting militancy" in Kashmir and sought the country's help in restoring peace in the state while addressing a gathering of party workers at Dooru in south Kashmir.

The CM's address comes ahead of the by-polls in Kashmir on April 12.