SRINAGAR, June 12: National Conference President Farooq Abdullah asserted on Wednesday that terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir will persist unless there is dialogue with Pakistan. His comments followed a series of terrorist attacks in the region over the past three days.
On Sunday, terrorists targeted a bus carrying pilgrims in Reasi, causing it to plunge into a gorge, resulting in nine deaths and 41 injuries. Two days later, a joint checkpoint in Doda was attacked by terrorists, injuring six security personnel. Additionally, late Tuesday night, security forces in Kathua district killed a suspected Pakistani terrorist, and a second terrorist was gunned down on Wednesday, although a CRPF jawan lost his life in the operation.
Addressing the media, Abdullah said, “I have always maintained that terrorism will not end unless there is an understanding between India and Pakistan. Terrorism will continue, and we will have to confront it. The tragedy is that innocent people are being killed… and that is unfortunate.”
He emphasized that without proactive measures to find a solution, more innocent lives will be lost. Abdullah highlighted External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s remarks on addressing cross-border terrorism and the importance of dialogue with Pakistan.
Jaishankar, who recently assumed charge of the Ministry of External Affairs, stated that resolving issues along the borders with Pakistan and China is a priority. Abdullah welcomed this approach, saying, “The foreign minister himself mentioned dialogue with China and, for the first time, with Pakistan. I hope they continue this path to find a solution.”
Abdullah expressed hope that the government would recognize the urgent need to end the violence, noting that the people of Jammu and Kashmir are bearing the brunt of these tragedies, which also affect the rest of the country. “I hope they realize that the time has come to end this,” he added.
