Kamal Haasan calls for plebiscite in Kashmir, terms PoK as ‘Azad Kashmir’

Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan has batted for a plebiscite in Kashmir and questioned the government as to what they are "afraid of".

At an event here on Sunday, the Makkal Needhi Maiam leader said, "Why India is not holding a plebiscite in Kashmir? What are they (government) afraid of ?"

Referring to Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) as 'Azad Kashmir', he said: "In Azad Kashmir, they are using Jihadis' pictures in trains to portray them as heroes. That is a foolish thing to do. India too behaves with an equal amount of foolishness, it is not a correct thing to do. If we want to prove that India is a far better country then we should not behave like this. That is where politics begins, a new political culture begins, he said.

Talking at length about Kashmir and problems plaguing in the region, Haasan said that if India and Pakistan ‘behave well’, the Line of Control (LoC) will be under check.

He added, "Why do soldiers die? Why should those guarding our home (border) die? If both sides (India and Pakistan) behave properly, no soldier needs to die. The Line of Control will be under control."

Later, in a clarification, the Haasan said his comment on demanding "plebiscite in Kashmir" was reported out of context by the media.

Makkal Needhi Maiam issued a clarification saying that the party president stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the armed forces in this hour of grief.

In a press statement issued by Makkal Needhi Maiam on Monday, the party said, "Makkal Needhi Maiam strongly condemns the report in English News Channel, which has completely twisted the words of our Party President Kamal Haasan out of context. Our President and our Party stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the armed forces.