Dialogue with Pakistan Only Way to End Militancy in J-K: Farooq Abdullah
Srinagar, June 12: Terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir will not end unless talks are held with Pakistan, National Conference president Farooq Abdullah said here on Wednesday. His remarks came in the wake of three terrorist attacks in Jammu over the past few days.
Abdullah emphasized that understanding between India and Pakistan is crucial for ending terrorism in the region. He stated, “Terrorism will continue, and we will have to face it. The tragedy is that innocent people are getting killed… and that is unfortunate.”
These comments follow a series of violent incidents. On Sunday, terrorists attacked a bus carrying pilgrims in Reasi, causing it to veer off the road and fall into a gorge, resulting in nine deaths and 41 injuries. Two days later, terrorists attacked a joint checkpost in Doda, injuring six security personnel.
In another incident late on Tuesday, security forces killed a suspected Pakistani terrorist in Kathua district. The overnight encounter ended after a second terrorist was also killed on Wednesday, though a CRPF jawan lost his life during the operation.
Farooq Abdullah reiterated that dialogue is the only way forward, referencing External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s recent statements. Abdullah pointed out that Jaishankar had acknowledged the need for discussions with China and, for the first time, mentioned Pakistan in the context of resolving cross-border terrorism.
Abdullah highlighted the continuous suffering of innocent people due to ongoing violence. He stressed the urgency of finding a solution to prevent further loss of lives. “We are the ones facing tragedies. Innocent people of the state are facing tragedies and a reflection of this happens in the rest of the country,” he said.
The former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister expressed hope that the Indian government would recognize the necessity of dialogue to bring an end to these tragedies. He believes that effective communication and understanding between India and Pakistan could pave the way for lasting peace in the region.
In conclusion, Abdullah’s call for dialogue with Pakistan underscores the need for diplomatic efforts to address the root causes of militancy in Jammu and Kashmir. His remarks highlight the urgent need for a comprehensive strategy to ensure the safety and well-being of the people in the region.
