On parting ways with Kukka Parrey: He (Parrey) wants to win elections with the help of the gun. The Awami League is a political group. It has nothing to do with the gun. All those who are siding with Kukka Parrey are gunmen and not political activists. Look at what he did in Sonawari—he used the gun to capture booths and harass voters. All along and everywhere, the unofficial gun was used by his men.
On the National Conference: Only the NC commands the support of the masses. The people of Kashmir do not like gunmen. That is why people don't like us. We are seen as militants though we are political workers and have laid down our arms. The NC, on the other hand, is a political party and has a definite economic and political programme and we support that. I am not bothered about whether I will be admitted into the party. I always have the welfare of people in my mind.
On whether he will compromise with Kukka Parrey: No, this time it is final. The question of going back does not arise. We have an ideological difference—he is for the gun culture and winning elections with the help of it. I am totally opposed to it. I know the price I will be paying for severing ties with Parrey sahib. Already, security at my house has been withdrawn at his instance. The district administration in Baramulla, especially the Special Task Force, is a tool in his hands. But I am sure I will not be denied Z-category security.
