Jammu and Kashmir National Conference president and former Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah on Thursday welcomed remarks by a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader advocating dialogue with Pakistan, saying it reflects a growing realisation that war is no longer an option.
RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale recently said that India must respond firmly to cross-border terrorism while also keeping the doors for talks with Pakistan open.
“It’s a very big move. The RSS chief (General Secretary) has said that there should be talks with Pakistan and today the ex-Army chief has also backed his statement,” Abdullah told reporters here. “I am glad that somebody is now thinking that war is not an option. It’s a question of dialogue and with dialogue we must solve our problems.”
Abdullah became the second major political leader from Jammu and Kashmir to welcome the RSS leader’s remarks advocating dialogue with Pakistan. On Wednesday, Mehbooba Mufti, president of the People’s Democratic Party, said there was “no alternative to dialogue” between India and Pakistan, asserting that sustained engagement between the two countries was essential for lasting peace in Jammu and Kashmir.
The remark by RSS leader had triggered a renewed debate in political and strategic circles over India-Pakistan relations following years of strained ties, border tensions and suspension of formal bilateral dialogue.
The former union Minister Abdullah also expressed hope that the BRICS meeting in Delhi beginning today would play a role in promoting peace in the Middle East.
“I am very glad that BRICS is meeting and we hope there is peace in the Middle East. I hope BRICS will also put pressure,” Abdullah said.
Referring to ongoing diplomatic engagements involving major powers, he added, “I am glad that the American President is in China. I am sure China will also play its part so that there is peace.”
When asked about the downsizing of the cavalcade by Prime Minister and other ministers, NC president said it is a good step.
“I think it’s very good and shows that we are short of fuel and obviously there is shortage we have to meet that. I am sure everybody would reduce the cavalcade,” he said.
