JK crisis ''internal coalition fight'': Omar

New Delhi, Sept 1: National Conference Chief Omar Abdullah today described the ongoing political crisis in Jammu and Kashmir as an ''internal coalition fight'' in which his party ''had no interest''.

''We have no interest in getting caught in the middle of an internal coalition fight... ,'' Mr Abdullah told sources here.

He said the ruling coalition partners have to resolve their ''own issues'' and the National Conference had no ''part in it''.

About reports that former Chief Minister and his father Farooq Abdullah and he were seeking an appointment with Congress President Sonia Gandhi to discuss the emerging situation in the state, Mr Abdullah declined comment.

''I do not comment on rumours,'' he said.

Insurgency-torn Jammu and Kashmir plunged into political crisis after Peoples Democratic party (PDP) last night recalled deputy chief Muzaffar Hussain Baigh from the state cabinet and also removed him as the legislature party leader.

Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, who is in Kargil, is yet to take a decision on the fate of his deputy.

Yesterday, the Chief Minister refused to divest Mr Baigh of the important portfolios of Finance, Planning, Law and Parliamentary Affairs as asked by the PDP high command.

The PDP top brass, including patron and former Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed and party president Mehbooba Mufti, was ''unhappy, upset and angry'' over Mr Azad's stand.

The PDP had even sent a letter to Mr Azad in this regard.

The PDP leadership had decided to ''cut down to size'' Mr Baigh in the wake of his recent utterances, for lavishing praises on Mr Azad and describing him as the ''towering leader'' of Jammu and Kashmir, and also for ''ignoring'' the party agenda.

The party had decided to give all portfolios held by Mr Baigh to senior leader Tariq Hamid Karra. It was decided that Mr Baigh would be given Tourism and Housing portfolios only, they added.

UNI

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