Omar demands thorough probe into V K Singh claim on ministers

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today demanded a "threadbare" probe by Centre into former Army Chief V K Singh's claim on payments made to ministers in Jammu and Kashmir, saying it has created "untold" problems for mainstream political parties, particularly those operating in the Valley.
As the political storm over the claim by Gen(retd) V K Singh refused to subside, Omar broke his silence on the issue and voiced his anguish, asserting a majority of mainstream politicians have no "financial dealing" with the army.
Stating that the sort of statements and accusations made by Gen Singh only cause "us great deal of difficulty", he said it is being taken up with Centre formally for further action.

"(With) only one statement of his, the General has done nothing but create untold problems for mainstream political parties, particularly those operating in Kashmir Valley," he told reporters in Srinagar.
Omar's remarks came two days after Gen Singh claimed that payments were made to "certain ministers" in J and K from Army's secret funds for "stability events".
"Majority of mainstream politicians have no financial dealing with the army. Therefore, this accusation of his (Gen Singh) that all ministers since 1947 have taken money from the army, I think it is important that Government of India conducts a threadbare inquiry and the findings, whatever they may be, should be shared with us," he said.

"I think the Government of India needs to come clean on this. Otherwise all mainstream political parties are today being looked at with suspicion," he added.

Omar said the accusation cannot be "dismissed out of hand" and they required further investigation
"The matter is being taken up with Government of India formally for further action. I don't think beyond that it would be appropriate for me to say anything other than the fact that this effort that is being made to vilify all mainstream political parties is extremely unfortunate."
Union Minister and Congress leader Anand Sharma slammed Gen Singh for his remarks, saying his statement was "utterly irresponsible" and he had assaulted the dignity of the high office he had held.

"It is most unfortunate and a serious development. A former Army chief soon after retirement is getting restless to become part of the partisan narrative in the country and making statements which actually assault the dignity of the high office that he held.
"One does not expect a chief of the Indian Army to say something which is utterly irresponsible and also undermines the overall environment," he told reporters in Delhi.
CPI(M) also demanded a probe, saying the claim by Gen Singh has serious political implications.