Srinagar, Nov 12: National Conference president and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah on Thursday called on Pakistan to stop supporting terrorism, maintaining that violence would never help it achieve its objectives in Kashmir.
Speaking to reporters following the recent attacks in Kulgam and Kishtwar, Abdullah said those who believe they could take control of Kashmir through terrorism were mistaken. He stressed that such activities would not succeed in the Union Territory.
Farooq Abdullah on Terrorism and Security Situation in Kashmir
Abdullah also questioned claims that terrorism had completely ended in Jammu and Kashmir. He said those making such assertions from Delhi needed to acknowledge that militant activities continued and focus on finding a lasting solution.
Referring to the killing of two Special Police Officers (SPOs) in Kishtwar, the NC chief expressed concern over the continuing attacks. He pointed out that such incidents remained unpredictable, making it difficult to know where the next strike might occur.
Asked about claims of normalcy following the abrogation of Article 370, Abdullah acknowledged that terrorism remained a challenge but urged people not to live in fear.
He reiterated that Jammu and Kashmir was an integral part of India, dismissing any attempt to change its status through violence.
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Abdullah Calls for Dialogue Between India and Pakistan
Recalling the 1947 tribal invasion, Abdullah spoke about the violence and suffering witnessed during that period. He referred to the killings and assaults of women, as well as the murder of a doctor, his wife and a nurse at a Christian-run hospital.
He said Pakistan continued to raise the Kashmir issue but argued that confrontation would not resolve the dispute. Drawing comparisons with the ongoing Iran-US and Russia-Ukraine conflicts, Abdullah said wars bring destruction and that negotiations eventually become necessary to find solutions.
The NC president urged Pakistan to abandon terrorism and pursue discussions instead. He also recalled that the two countries were once part of the same nation.
Citing Europe’s transformation after the devastation caused by Adolf Hitler’s rule in Germany, Abdullah said countries could eventually overcome divisions and work together.
He also called for the revival of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), saying regional countries should come together to address their differences and focus on development. He stressed that violence and meaningful dialogue could not proceed together.
Security Alert Across Jammu and Kashmir After Attacks
The remarks came amid heightened security concerns after two terror attacks within 24 hours in Jammu and Kashmir.
In Kulgam, three CRPF personnel sustained injuries when terrorists attacked them. In a separate incident in Kishtwar, two SPOs were killed and their weapons were taken away by the attackers.
Authorities have since increased security measures across the Union Territory. Additional checkpoints and barricades have been established, with personnel checking vehicles and frisking people.
Meanwhile, security forces have intensified search operations in Kulgam to locate the two terrorists responsible for Wednesday’s attack.
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–IANS
