SRINAGAR: Farooq Abdullah, the president of the National Conference (NC), emphasised on Saturday that the endeavors to promote border tourism and organize rallies in Jammu and Kashmir are mere spectacles, lasting until India and Pakistan engage in sincere discussions regarding the Kashmir issue.
“The hearts of both the countries should be pure. There has been enough show-off,” the Srinagar MP said while responding to inquiries about the evolving situation in Kashmir amidst the promotion of border tourism and the arrangement of Tiranga rallies throughout the valley.
Abdullah articulated that the fundamental resolution lies in India and Pakistan conducting conversations founded on genuine intentions, as history has shown that wars do not lead to substantial resolutions. “Till both the countries do not talk with honesty over the Kashmir issue, all this is a show-off (and) this tamasha will go on till then. It will happen every year but the issue will remain there,” he underlined.
In the face of the government’s assertions regarding normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir, the NC president posed pivotal questions. He queried the presence of terrorism, bullet exchanges, and loss of lives if there was genuine peace in the region. Abdullah put forth, “If there is peace in reality, then why is this happening? That’s because they (Pakistan) think it has not been resolved yet. Who will make them understand that only talks will resolve issues?”
Drawing parallels, Abdullah cited the turmoil in Ukraine as an exemplar of the consequences of warfare. He remarked, “Europe is getting destroyed economically. Who is getting killed? It is the people of Ukraine. What will they achieve? Would it change the borders?” He steadfastly advocated for dialogues as the sole means to resolving conflicts.
He further highlighted the precedent set by diplomatic discussions with China. Referring to the 18 rounds of talks, including at the foreign minister level, Abdullah underscored that talks have the potential to lead to resolutions.
Responding to the Jammu and Kashmir administration’s initiatives to bolster border tourism near the Line of Control (LoC), Abdullah expressed a desire for open borders to enable people to witness the areas under Pakistan’s jurisdiction. “We want that borders should be opened so that we will also see the part (of Kashmir) which is under them (Pakistan). Then, we will accept that there is true peace,” he concluded.
