Srinagar May 1 (KNS) : National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Thursday expressed concern over increasing hostilities between India and Pakistan, noting that while the situation appears tense, efforts for dialogue are underway behind the scenes.
Addressing reporters, Abdullah said both nations seem to be preparing for conflict, but he emphasized the importance of ongoing diplomatic initiatives. “Talks are taking place to ease the situation. Whether they bear fruit or not, we’ll have to wait and see,” he said.
In the wake of the recent Pahalgam attack and the subsequent expulsion of some Pakistani nationals from India, Abdullah criticized the response, calling it “inhumane.” While acknowledging that the attack highlighted significant security lapses, he cautioned against collective punishment.
“There was clearly a failure on our part,” he said.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel“Pakistan resorted to violence and misinformation because they couldn’t accept the peace and development we were striving for. But such actions also harm Muslims within India, who already face many challenges.”
Abdullah drew attention to what he described as sustained efforts to marginalize Indian Muslims, including attacks_ on their places of worship. “For the past decade, we’ve seen repeated attempts to erase our identity and divide communities,” he added.
He also took issue with recent remarks by Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir, warning that provocative rhetoric only escalates tensions. “Even if there is a war, it will eventually lead to talks. But what those talks achieve—only God knows,” he said. (KNS)