Jammu: Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah said "confusing" statements were emanating from the Centre regarding Pakistan and cautioned New Delhi against taking any step with Islamabad to resolve Kashmir issue without doing any groundwork.

Any wrong step at this juncture would prove "disastrous" not only for the state but for the entire nation, the National Conference veteran told reporters on April 19 evening.

"The Centre should first do groundwork in Kashmir before taking any step with Pakistan to resolve Kashmir issue," he said.

Pointing to Foreign Minister Yashwant Sinha's statement that Pakistan was a fit case for military action, Abdullah said, "One Minister's stand is supported by another. But at the same time, Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee is extending a hand of friendship to Pakistan.

"Instead of issuing confusing statements, the Union government should evolve a comprehensive policy to deal with Pakistan," he said.

Addressing a rally in Srinagar on April 16, Vajpayee offered a hand of friendship to Pakistan. He, however, accused Islamabad of not responding to peace initiatives taken by India.

PTI