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Rumsfeld comment vindicates India's view: Abdullah

"We had been shouting that Pakistan is diverting the Al Qaeda men into Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir and now after the statement from Rumsfeld, our position stands vindicated," Abdullah said after holding discussion with Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

The chief minister supported the statement of his son and Minister of State for External Affairs Omar Abdullah that there was no need for the presence of foreign troops to tackle the Al Qaeda. "Our troops have made them bite dust earlier and will do the needful again."

About his discussions with the prime minister, he said, "We had talks on plan expenditure and I have extended him invitation for inauguration of Kashmir Vision 2020 exhibition beginning in Srinagar on June 20."

On assembly elections in the state, the chief minister said, "We will hold the polls before October 10 as the present stint of the assembly ends on that day."

About his resignation as National Conference's president, he said, "Yes, I have submitted my resignation to pave way for my son Omar to take over on June 23."

On the presidential poll, he said he wanted a consensus on the issue. "After all, consensus is the right message that needs to go throughout the world in the present times."

Abdullah also brushed aside rumours that he was calling a special assembly session to pass a bill about autonomy to the state. "We do not believe in confrontationist attitude. We have already offered talks with the Centre on the issue," he said.

PTI

Terrorism Strikes in Jammu and Kashmir: The complete coverage

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