National Conference president Farooq Abdullah has criticized the reluctance of the Narendra Modi government to engage in peace talks with Pakistan.
Stressing the significance of resolving bilateral issues through dialogue, Abdullah echoed the sentiments of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He referred to Vajpayee’s assertion that while friends can be changed, neighbors cannot, emphasizing that maintaining friendly relations with neighbors is essential for mutual progress.
Recalling Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s stance on peace talks, Abdullah stated, “If we do not find a solution through dialogue, we will meet the same fate as Gaza and Palestine, which are being bombed by Israel.”
He questioned the absence of dialogue despite signals from the Pakistani side, highlighting the need for a diplomatic resolution.
In January, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed a desire for “serious and sincere talks” with PM Modi, advocating against war as an option. However, India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, in August, dismissed talks, citing the normalization of terrorism as a barrier.
Abdullah also addressed recent incidents involving the Army, where three civilians died after being detained for questioning following a terrorist ambush. He called for an investigation into the matter and questioned the state of India where innocent civilians, unrelated to terrorism, face such consequences. Abdullah expressed concern about the growing animosity between Hindus and Muslims, urging for a return to the principles of Mahatma Gandhi’s India.