PM Modi 'inclusive', not intolerant: Mufti Sayeed

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed on Tuesday reiterated that "Prime Minister Narendra Modi was not intolerant".

Talking to reporters over Prime Minister Modi's visit to the Valley, Sayeed said, "He is not at all intolerant."

"He is the Prime Minister of the country, and also an elected leader. If he has joined me (Mufti Mohammed), there must be some reason," he said.

"There are some ups and downs, but he is very inclusive in the long run," he added.

When asked about the apprehensions over Prime Minister Modi's visit to the state, Sayeed said the people of state have their own expectations from him.

"The Prime Minister's visit was long overdue. Now that he is coming, a few things need to be said and done as well," he added.

Sayeed also said the Prime Minister himself focused on the development of the state.

"More importantly, the work that has been done on fast-track basis on the National Highway in the state is one such example of his commitment," he added.

Backing Prime Minister Modi on his development agenda, Sayeed said: "He is the Prime Minister of the country and he is focused on the overall development of the country. And that is why he has his slogan of development."

Ahead of Prime Minister Modi's November 7 rally in Srinagar, the People Democratic Party -Bharatiya Janata Party (PDP-BJP) coalition government in the state has launched a crackdown on separatist camps.

Senior separatist leader Shabir Ahmad Shah and Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) chairman Mohammad Yasin Malik along with some of their supporters were detained last evening.

Both the leaders have been placed under house arrest after they supported a 'Million March' rally called by hardline Separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani to counter Prime Minister Modi's rally here.