Pak, Hurriyat, militants 'allowed' conducive atmosphere for polls: Mufti

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed on Sunday stoked a controversy by stating that the Hurriyat, Pakistan and militants had allowed a conducive atmosphere for the recently held assembly polls in the state.

"The Hurriyat, Pakistan and militants allowed conducive atmosphere for Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir," Sayeed said at a press conference, following his oath taking ceremony.

His statement, however, earned a quick backlash from his predecessor Omar Abdullah on twitter.

""Pakistan, Huriyaat and Militants ALLOWED peaceful conduct of elections" says Mufti Syed. I guess we should be grateful for their generosity," he posted.

"Dear @BJP4India please explain roll of security forces and polling staff considering your CM just said "Pakistan allowed elections in J and K"," he added.

"Dear Mufti Sahib, thank you, thank you a thousand times for this press conference," he further said.

Sayeed, who was sworn-in as the chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir earlier in the day, stated that he had forged the alliance with BJP out of conviction not convenience.

He added that the two parties wanted to make the alliance a turning point in trying to meet the hearts and minds of the people and urged the Government of India to initiate a dialogue with people of Jammu and Kashmir.