Farooq Abdullah urges support for Indo-Pak peace efforts

Srinagar, May 01: Jammu and Kashmir National Conference president Farooq Abdullah Thursday voiced grave concerns over the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, claiming that both countries appear to be gearing up for a possible war. However, he added that diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation are also in motion, though only time will reveal how successful global powers will be in calming the crisis.

Speaking to reporters, Farooq Abdullah stressed that while hostilities seem to be on the rise, it is essential to support peace initiatives. “Talks are underway to reduce the tension. Whether they succeed or not, only time will tell,” he said.

Responding to recent developments, including the repatriation of Pakistani nationals from Indian soil following the deadly Pahalgam attack, Abdullah criticized the move as “inhumane.” He acknowledged the serious security and intelligence failures behind the incident but said collective punishment was not the solution.

“There is no doubt this was a lapse on the part of our security setup,” Abdullah said. “Pakistan couldn’t tolerate our peace and progress. They spread propaganda and resorted to violence. But in doing so, they failed to consider the impact on Muslims in India, who are already facing immense pressure.”

He pointed to what he described as an ongoing narrative of marginalization and violence against Indian Muslims, including efforts to erase their identity. “For the last ten years, there has been a campaign to wipe out Muslims, to burn mosques. We were already struggling with that.”

Abdullah also criticised recent remarks by Pakistan’s Army Chief, General Asim Munir, on the two-nation theory, saying such provocative statements only inflame tensions. “If a war happens, it will end up at the negotiation table. But what outcome that table will deliver—only Allah knows,” he remarked.

He urged both nations to act responsibly, warning that war would bring devastating consequences not only to soldiers on the frontlines but to ordinary people on both sides of the border. (KNT)