Thanks to PM Modi, Army Apologised for Killings: Sajjad Lone to NDTV

Lolab Valley, J&K: Former separatist-turned-politician Sajjad Lone tells NDTV that due to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Army has for the first time apologised for excesses in the Kashmir Valley. He says it never happened under the Congress rule. In a freewheeling interview, Mr Lone also tells NDTV that he fears for his life, and accuses Chief Minister Omar Abdullah of denying him more security.

Here are the highlights:

• Jammu and Kashmir politicians are angry and jealous of my meeting with the PM.
• For decades, meeting the PM was the domain of two Jammu and Kashmir families.
• First time an alternative view point has been heard in Delhi.
• NC, PDP are coordinating to defeat my candidates in elections.
• Ideological foes joined hands in northern Ireland elections.
• Thanks to Modi, the army has for the first time apologised for excesses.
• Did the army ever apologise during Congress' so-called secular rule.
• I respect Manmohan Singh a lot, but he was a mute PM.
• Meeting BJP leaders doesn't mean I am in alliance with them.
• Congress leaders never cared to meet me all these years.
• Congress blocked my wife's visa because they didn't like me.
• Why should my meet with Modi shame my Pakistani wife?
• Mehbooba Mufti is the daughter of Delhi.
• Mufti Sayeed is a miracle of Delhi; not Jammu and Kashmir leader.
• I am not the chief ministerial candidate; I just want a seat in Assembly.
• Who wouldn't want to be chief minister; if offered I will say yes.
• Congress, BJP have identical positions on the Armed Forces Act.
• Why has the Congress been unable to revoke AFSPA till now?
• The Congress is responsible for total erosion of article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir.
• If I am in power, I will try to convince BJP and Modi on Article 370.
• Don't agree with Modi's Pakistan policy; We should keep talking.
• J&K has been psychologically captive to the idea of Delhi decides.
• With BJP in power in Delhi, PDP and NC have lost their advantage.
• Even as a separatist, I always opposed poll boycotts.
• Have asked for security many times, but Omar doesn't listen.
• Farooq Abdullah denied security to my father; he got killed.
• Omar government putting politicians' lives at risk intentionally.
• Omar using security as a tool to dissuade people from contesting.
• Omar, Mehbooba move with jammers, security, but deny others.
• PDP and NC both are desperate to strike an alliance with the BJP.
• Both PDP, NC have been in power with the BJP; why blame me?