Farooq Abdullah Calls for India-Pakistan Talks
National Conference president Farooq Abdullah has called for renewed dialogue between India and Pakistan, arguing that waiting for terrorism and hostilities to end before starting negotiations would be too late. Speaking in Jammu on Thursday, November 12, the former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister also urged Pakistan to abandon terrorism and reiterated that Kashmir would always remain an integral part of India.
Farooq Abdullah Urges Dialogue Despite Terror Attacks
Responding to the BJP-led government’s position that talks and terrorism cannot go together, Abdullah said military confrontation could not resolve longstanding political disputes.
He maintained that meaningful engagement should begin without waiting for all violence to stop and urged Islamabad to create conditions conducive to peaceful negotiations.
Abdullah cited the destruction caused by conflicts in Ukraine and Iran to emphasise the importance of diplomacy over military confrontation.
Kulgam and Kishtwar Attacks Raise Security Concerns
His remarks followed two terrorist incidents in Jammu and Kashmir that left two Special Police Officers dead and three CRPF personnel injured.
Abdullah questioned claims that terrorism had ended in the Union Territory, warning that further attacks remained possible.
He stressed that Pakistan must abandon ambitions of taking Kashmir through violence and reaffirmed that the region would remain part of India.
The National Conference leader also called for a comprehensive strategy to eliminate terrorism.
Farooq Abdullah Seeks Revival of SAARC
Abdullah advocated reviving the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) to encourage dialogue and regional development.
He cited the European Union as an example of countries overcoming historical conflicts through cooperation.
Recalling former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s approach towards neighbouring countries, Abdullah said India should encourage stronger regional engagement.
