Rashid can join anyone in Pakistan, but shouldn't stay in India: Shiv Sena

In the wake of Jammu and Kashmir leader Sheikh Abdul Rashid's decision of joining Hurriyat, Shiv Sena firebrand Sanjay Raut on Thursday slammed him by saying he might join Masood Azhar too.

The Shiv Sena leader told media, "I think he wants to go to Pakistan; he can join anyone there, he can even join Masood Azhar, but should not stay in India."

Earlier today, Independent MLA and Awami Itihad Party (AIP) Abdul Rashid told media that he had an appointment with Kashmiri separatist Hurriyat leader and Syed Ali Shah Geelani and chairman of Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front Yasin Malik.

It is claimed that Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani had urged the mainstream leaders of the Valley to join Hurriyat.

"I would love to join Hurriyat the way Syed Ali Geelani wants. I will meet them to understand their view point. We have to stand together," he said, while addressing a press conference.

He said that he will only join the Hurriyat if both the Hurriyat leaders and the AIP can come to a common ground.

He said that the spokesperson of AIP tried to meet Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, although the authorities did not allow him.