Source The Hindu
National Conference president and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah has renewed his call for dialogue between India and Pakistan, warning that waiting for all military tensions to end before starting talks could make the situation worse.
Speaking in Jammu on Thursday, November 12, Abdullah said that bullets and military action could not provide a lasting solution to political disputes. He stressed that both countries should explore diplomatic options instead of waiting for complete peace before beginning discussions.
‘It Will Be Too Late When the Guns Fall Silent’
Responding to a question about the Indian government’s position that talks and bullets cannot go together, Abdullah said that waiting until all firing stops could result in losing valuable time.
He explained that dialogue should begin at the right moment because continuing tensions could make future discussions more difficult.
His remarks have once again brought attention to the long-standing debate over diplomatic engagement between the two neighbouring countries.
Abdullah Urges Pakistan to End Terrorism
While supporting dialogue, Abdullah also made it clear that Pakistan must take steps to stop terrorism.
He said that terrorism could not achieve anything and that Pakistan should help create an atmosphere suitable for meaningful discussions with India.
According to Abdullah, both sides need to move away from violence and look for peaceful ways to address their differences.
He also maintained that military confrontation would only bring destruction and suffering to ordinary people.
Cites Iran and Ukraine Conflicts
Abdullah referred to the ongoing conflicts in Iran and Ukraine while explaining the consequences of war.
He said that military action often causes widespread destruction and affects innocent people. In his view, negotiations and mutual understanding offer a better opportunity to find lasting solutions.
He also called for the revival of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), saying that regional countries should work together to resolve disputes and promote economic development.
Giving the example of the European Union, Abdullah said neighbouring countries could overcome historical differences through cooperation and shared development.
Comments on Recent Terror Attacks in Kashmir
Abdullah also expressed concern over recent terror-related incidents in Jammu and Kashmir.
Referring to attacks in Kulgam and Kishtwar, in which two Special Police Officers lost their lives and three CRPF personnel were injured, he said that claims of terrorism having completely ended in the region needed to be examined carefully.
He warned that such incidents showed the security challenge remained and that further steps were needed to prevent attacks.
At the same time, Abdullah reiterated that Jammu and Kashmir was an integral part of India and said that those hoping to change its status through terrorism would not succeed.
A Renewed Debate Over Dialogue
Abdullah’s latest remarks have brought the question of India-Pakistan relations back into public discussion.
His position combines a call for diplomatic engagement with a demand that Pakistan stop supporting terrorism. He believes that regional peace and development require countries to address their differences through discussions rather than military confrontation.
Whether the two countries will consider renewed dialogue remains uncertain. However, Abdullah’s statement highlights the continuing debate over how India and Pakistan can manage tensions while addressing security concerns.
