Shiv Sena trying to split India: Farooq Abdullah

Expressing concern over Shiv Sena's protest against the BCCI meeting with the Pakistan Cricket board to discuss the India-Pakistan bilateral series, Opposition National Conference chief and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah on Monday called it 'unfortunate' and that the Shiv Sainiks were trying to 'split' India.

"It's very unfortunate that they are trying to break India. There is threat to nation's integrity. This ruins the image of the country and they should think that country is above them," Abdullah told ANI.

"I would request Modi ji to give warning to those sitting in power in Mumbai. Game is different from politics and we have to play with every country. I would request them not to do this. Government should take strict action against it," he added.

The Shiv Sainiks had earlier stormed into the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) office to protest against the meeting with the Pakistan Cricket board to discuss the India-Pakistan bilateral series slated for December.

They cornered BCCI president Shashank Manohar and protested saying they will not allow any cricket ties with Pakistan.

Following Shiv Sena's protest at the BCCI Headquarters, the discussion over reviving cricket ties between the two nations has been cancelled.