J&K parties demand probe into role of Ghulam Mir

Mir, at present Agriculture Minister in the Omar Government, has termed these reports as "blatant lies"

Political temperature in Jammu and Kashmir rose today with parties demanding a thorough probe into the role of state minister Ghulam Hasaan Mir, who figured in reports of having allegedly received funds from a unit set up by former Army Chief Gen V K Singh to topple the Omar Abdullah government.

While Mir, at present Agriculture Minister in the Omar Government, termed these reports as "blatant lies", members of ruling National Conference including Ali Mohammed Sagar, CPI and CPM demanded a thorough probe as they termed it as an attack on democratic institutions.

According to a media report, a secret enquiry report into the functioning of the Technical Services Division (TSD) of the Army found that Rs 1.19 crore was allegedly taken from secret service funds to be paid to Mir to engineer a change of government in Jammu and Kashmir.

TSD, an intelligence unit, was established during the tenure of Gen Singh. The report also alleged that money had been paid for setting up of a NGO to stall the appointment of present incumbent Gen Bikram Singh as the Army Chief.

"I have nothing to do with it. It is a blatant lie," Mir, an independent MLA from Tangmarg, told PTI when asked about his comments on the issue.

He said the controversy stems from internal rivalry and his name is being dragged unnecessarily.

"I have worked for the stability of the state and the government all along. In 2010, I put in every effort to ensure that the present government remains stable," Mir said.

Senior National Conference leader and Minister Ali Mohammad Sagar said if true, it is shocking that a minister was conspiring against the government even when he was a part of it.

"It is shocking that a minister was conspiring against the government even when he was a part of it. If it is true, there should be a thorough probe into the matter," Sagar told reporters.

State CPM leader Mohammed Yusuf Tarigami also demanded a probe into the reports and said, "The people of Jammu and Kashmir have the right to know the truth."

Another National Conference leader Mustafa Kamal said the former Army chief's action was an attack on the democratic credentials of the country.

"Its an attack on our democratic credentials and lofty ideas," Kamal said and alleged that Gen Singh's mindset was "communal".