Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President and former Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah has reaffirmed his stance on the necessity of dialogue for achieving peace in the region, despite facing significant criticism.
Speaking to reporters, Abdullah emphasized that dialogue between India and Pakistan remains the only viable path to peace. He expressed hope for a change in the central government following the upcoming Lok Sabha election results, believing that a new administration might pursue talks with Pakistan.
“Even though I have been labeled as a Pakistani, Khalistani, and American agent, I will not cease advocating for dialogue between the two neighboring countries,” Abdullah stated. “Jammu and Kashmir will not be fine until these two big countries realize that war is no longer the way forward.”
Abdullah highlighted the importance of a conducive atmosphere in Pakistan for dialogue, while addressing allegations against him. “They call me a Pakistani Khalistani and American agent. But I will not stop my voice. I pray we see good election results in the shape of a new government in Delhi, and the present dispensation being thrown out. Then we will also try to tell them that dialogue is the only way. If this does not happen, the result will only be ruin.”
Reflecting on recent violence in the region, Abdullah called for international involvement in investigating incidents like the recent shootings in Shopian and Anantnag. “Until terrorism stops, there won’t be any talks with our neighboring country (Pakistan). We need cooperation from them. We need to identify who is killing the innocent. International pressure must be created, and international investigating agencies must probe the matter.”
Farooq Abdullah also voiced his desire for prompt assembly elections in the Union Territory. “When parliamentary elections can be conducted peacefully here, then why can’t assembly elections be conducted? I think assembly elections will take place after the Amarnath Yatra concludes this year,” he said.
Criticizing the BJP, Abdullah accused them of intending to alter the Constitution. “I regret to say that they (BJP) own the Election Commission. They have all the administration. They claim that they will not change the Constitution, but they say one thing and do another thing. They do intend to change the Constitution,” he alleged.
Discussing the INDIA bloc, Abdullah emphasized that their fight is not for power but to address people’s issues. “I hope people understand our motive and why we are fighting. Our fight is not for the chair but to use that chair to eradicate poverty and address inflation and unemployment.”
On May 6, Omar Abdullah, Farooq Abdullah’s son and former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, expressed hope that both the Indian and Pakistani governments would foster an environment conducive to dialogue.
“National Conference has always maintained that all matters (between India and Pakistan) would be resolved through dialogue. What Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji said: ‘We can change our friends, but we can’t change our neighbors’. Pakistan is, was, and will remain our neighbor.
We have to create an environment for dialogue, and it is the responsibility of both countries,” he stated.
