In a recent statement, National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah underlined the importance of dialogue between India and Pakistan as the key to ending violence and securing lasting peace in the volatile region of Jammu and Kashmir. He reiterated the futility of resorting to wars as a means of resolving issues, both historically and in the foreseeable future.
Abdullah’s remarks came after he visited the family of Humayun Bhat, the deputy superintendent of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, who tragically lost his life in the line of duty during a gunbattle in Anantnag. Bhat, alongside two other security officers, Colonel Manpreet Singh and Major Ashish Dhonchak, fell in an encounter with militants in the Kokernag area of Anantnag district.
Addressing the ongoing tensions and provocative statements from some Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders regarding reclaiming Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), Abdullah firmly advocated for dialogue as the only viable solution. He emphasized, “Let them do it. Who is stopping them? I will not stop. If they feel that it will end the problem, they should do it. Let me make it clear that no issue can be resolved by confrontation. Pakistan has fought four wars, and the borders are still in place.”
Abdullah also criticized the BJP-led Centre for claiming that militancy had ceased in Jammu and Kashmir, stating, “It is a big loss for the family and the country. You have seen that a colonel and a major have also been martyred, besides this young DSP. There is no doubt that this destruction has been going on for long, but I do not see an end to it. The government is shouting that terrorism has ended. You tell me, has it ended?”
Highlighting the urgency of resuming dialogue, Abdullah cited the ongoing conflict in Ukraine as an example. “Look at the situation in Ukraine. There is destruction everywhere. For establishing peace, Russia and Ukraine will have to hold talks,” he emphasized.
In response to questions about advocating talks with Pakistan, Abdullah clarified, “The talks will have to be between the two countries that are at loggerheads. There is no point talking to me. This problem has been there since India became independent.”
Regarding Pakistan’s alleged role in creating unrest in Jammu and Kashmir, Abdullah noted that Pakistan consistently rejects the status quo and pointed out, “How does it matter? Pakistan has been saying that they do not accept it. They throw the UN resolutions at you. What will you tell them? They are saying we do not accept this decision.”
Abdullah also expressed concerns about the highly trained nature of recent militants, suggesting they might be from a country other than Pakistan. “I am neither in the intelligence nor in the government, so I cannot say where they come from. But they are coming, and they are coming fully trained. I fear that these foreign terrorists might be from another country; they are so well trained,” he conveyed.
When asked if he was implying the involvement of Afghans, Abdullah declined to point fingers and underscored the imminent danger that needs to be confronted. “Those who need to understand will understand. There is a danger, an imminent danger. We have to face this every day. Our people are dying, our jawans are dying,” he concluded.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
