Srinagar:
In damage control mode, People's Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti today did a U-turn on her Jammu and Kashmir boundary issue.
"Unfortunately, a good chunk of our territory which existed before 1947 is under the illegal occupation of China. So, when PDP talks about self rule, about resolution, about opening of trade routes, we are also talking about that part, of China. The Central government should have appreciated it, rather than getting angry about it," Mufti said.
"I would request the Home Minister that he should show more concern for the incursions that China is making in our territory, especially Ladakh for the last so many years and not get bullied by China. I feel our leaders in Delhi are getting bullied by China," she added.
The PDP had displayed the map on Saturday during a 'Vision on Kashmir' power-point presentation and it showed both Aksai Chin and Karakoram in China.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah as well as the Congress had hit out at the PDP over the issue.
"Giving away a portion of our state as a gift is unacceptable. And to add, in a state where religion is of such importance, inducing Communist rule is a dangerous thought, which we should consider. Now, why PDP gave away a part to a Communist country is something only they can answer," Omar had said on Sunday.
And today, Congress spokesperson Manish Tewari said, "We demand the PDP withdraw the controversial map immediately. PDP's depiction of Jammu and Kashmir in different colours is highly objectionable."
"The kind of pictorial adventurism (by the PDP) has diplomatic implications," Tewari added.