Srinagar, Sep 25 (IANS): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Wednesday dubbed as "extremely unfortunate" former Indian Army chief V.K. Singh's claim that the army has funded ministers in Jammu and Kashmir for decades.

"It's extremely unfortunate. Most of us have no financial dealings whatsoever with the army," Abdullah told reporters. "These statements and accusations only cause us great difficulty here.

He demanded "a thorough inquiry" into the matter, saying there was an attempt to vilify all mainstream political parties in Kashmir.

"I believe these accusations cannot be dismissed off-hand, they require further investigation. This matter is formally being taken up by me with the government of India," the chief minister said.

Gen Singh Tuesday said that army had been funding ministers in the state "since (India's) independence" to maintain peace in the Kashmir Valley.

He was reacting to reports that a secret intelligence unit of the army tried to topple the Omar Abdullah government in 2010.

The former general has come under attack over his statement. On Tuesday, the National Conference dismissed the claim as "absurd and reckless".

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