The significant sign of normalcy was witnessed on Friday at Valley’s political gossip hub Coffea Arabica, located on violence-prone Residency Road, when Union minister for Renewable Energy dated his wife Moily Abdullah again, like in the violenceless-past of Srinagar.
The Union minister , wearing traditional dress pheran, took everybody by surprise by occupying a corner seat at the restaurant for a dinner with his wife. He was later joined by his daughter Safia Khan and son-in-law Asif Khan and his two sons for an elaborate dinner – which was started with soups.
“They asked for pizzas, French fries, muttons chops etc,” said a waiter, beaming with surprise. “This is a rare sight in our coffee shop”
When this reporter asked the National Conference president how was the day? “Nothing we held a press brief with General Dhillon on why the Services team did not play in Kashmir? I was telling him there has been significant improvement in situation in Kashmir,” said Farooq while having chattini with fork from half-empty plate.
He said he was disturbed by the Home Ministery’s decision to ban pre-paid services in Kashmir. “Our Chief Minster has raised the issue with the Home Minister. I am hopeful,” said Farooq, while all eyeballs were aiming at him in the restaurant.
On being asked for a photo, Farooq shot back: “No.no. This is very private affair.” Though his wife Moily in blue embroidered pheran shilwar, interjected innocently: “Why do you need the picture?”
And they left happily, waving at stunned crowd.
Peer.mushtaq@hindustantimes.com