Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, May 14: National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah today welcomed recent remarks by a senior Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh leader advocating dialogue with Pakistan, saying war was “not an option” and that all outstanding issues must be resolved through talks.
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Abdullah was reacting to comments made by RSS general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale, who recently called for sustained engagement and greater people-to-people contact between India and Pakistan.
The NC Chief said a former Indian Army chief had also publicly endorsed the push for dialogue. “It is a very big move that RSS called for talks with Pakistan. I am glad that somebody is now thinking that war is not an option. It is a question of dialogue, and with dialogue we must solve our problems,” he said.
Taking a jibe at Bharatiya Janata Party, Abdullah said he was previously vilified for making similar calls for engagement with Pakistan. “When I spoke about talks with Pakistan, I was called an enemy of the country, even a terrorist. Thankfully, none of the BJP members opposed it now. I think it is a good suggestion and the Government should consider their advice,” he told reporters in Anantnag.
Abdullah said dialogue remained the only viable path to lasting peace between the two neighbors. “Things can be resolved only through talks and not war, as we are seeing in the Iran-U.S. and Ukraine-Russia conflicts,” he said.
The former Chief Minister also welcomed the ongoing BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and expressed hope that the gathering would contribute to efforts aimed at easing tensions in the Middle East.
Referring to a visit by U.S. President Donald Trump to China, Abdullah said Beijing could play an important role in global peace efforts. “Trump’s visit to China will also help in bringing peace, as China will play its part in the peace process,” he added.
The NC Chief also commented on recent reductions in official motorcade sizes by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several Chief Ministers, saying the move reflected concerns over fuel shortages and economic strain. “If we have to meet that shortage, then everybody has to reduce their cavalcade,” he said.
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