(This story originally appeared in on Jun 26, 2015)

Why is it a perception that PDP-BJP government has failed to deliver?

Pessimism is a big industry in Kashmir. We are just four months old. We are still working on plans left by the last government. This government was written-off even before it as made. Those people who wrote it off, want to prove themselves right. Now they are rewriting it off, ten times, every day. Let me assure you this government will complete six and a half years. Even if the government has to fail, it can be analysed only after three years. Lets wait for sometime before making sweeping judgments. And it will not fail because of the alliance of BJP and PDP. It will fail if the elected members will not deliver.

Has PDP-BJP coalition helped RSS to make inroads in Kashmir?

In last three months it seems every wrong has happened to Kashmir. RSS was here much before. They have every right to come here if people accept them. What is the problem? It takes ages to make inroads. It's all propaganda.

Are you happy while being in alliance with BJP?

I gave clear hints before elections that I would align with BJP. You tell me why is it problematic. The first person in J&K to align with BJP was Omar Abdullah . I am not defending BJP but since when did Congress become pro-Kashmir. All hangings were executed during Congress rule. Most of the communal riots took place when Congress ran the country. The divide between Jammu region and Kashmir Valley is the Congress creation. All of a sudden how does Congress become a great hope for Kashmir? BJP is way better than Congress. BJP allows things to happen.

Omar Abdullah says Nagpur is the new capital of J&K...

He is someone who has been reduced from 60 seats in 1996 to 15 seats in 2015 in the assembly. Rather than ponder, why he went there, he is picking up non-issues. I really thought he would take 21 seats, had he not surrendered. He is not a good administrator.

What bought you close to BJP?

I liked BJP since Vajpayee's era. I was close to that setup. They really took care of me, especially regarding my security. I played a very big role behind the scenes. Mr. Dulat (former R&AW chief) was in PMO then. I had the time to contribute and make way for dialogue process. Because of all this I was labeled as Indian here.

How do you assess Rs 44,000 crore flood relief package demanded by the earlier government?

It is a wild guess. It was clearly an election stunt by National Conference.

Has Mufti's doctrine of 'Battle of Ideas' visa vis engagement with separatist leadership failed? Primary responsibility of any government is to save lives of people.

If there is a remotest doubt that something is going to put in jeopardy the life of ordinary citizens, the government must act. Even, if it means putting somebody under house arrest. I am in favor of participation of everybody in any political process. But government also has a right to uphold law and order of the state and ensure there are no fatalities. If they are preventive measures, what is wrong with it?

How do you see the act of raising Pakistani flags?

I would never raise a Pakistani flag. Even when I was a separatist I have never done it. I would never address a rally if a Pakistani flag would be unfurled. Honestly, if someone wants to raise the flag and is so much in love with Pakistan, my suggestion for them would be to go there and help them.

Do you still think about Syed Ali Geelani?

He is not God. I respect him as an elder person. He has been my father's friend. Politically I don't even think about him now.

(Interviewed by Hakeem Irfan )