Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, July 9: Former Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah today said that dialogue with Pakistan can’t be advocated unless the killings in Jammu and Kashmir are stopped.
Speaking to reporters in Shopian, Abdullah said that these killings only bring destruction to Jammu and Kashmir.
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“This is a very hard time. Five soldiers have been martyred, five are injured, and God knows what their condition is. Will Pakistan be formed here by doing this? It is rather destruction for us. How can we continue to advocate for dialogue with Pakistan until these killings stop?”, he asked.
“Today, you talk about Kathua; why don’t you talk about what happened in Reasi? Those who had come for puja here, what was their fault? This country belongs to everyone, including Sikhs, Muslims, Buddhists and Christians,” he said.
The NC president said that India as a country can’t be built on hatred. “This country is built on the principle of unity in diversity. Take Tamil Nadu, for example; their culture, climate, language, and way of living are different from ours. So, what is common between us? There is only one thing: we can together build a nation. If we want to build a country, it cannot be done with hatred,” he said.
Abdullah said that PM Modi spread hatred in the country during elections that has scared Kashmiri students studying in different parts of the country.
“During the elections, our Prime Minister fuelled hatred, and I hope he doesn’t continue this path. Today, Muslim parents who have sent their kids to study in different States are scared about their safety. I have never seen such a situation,” he said.
He said that the attacks are happening in J&K as they want to convey a message. “The attacks are not happening between PM’s speeches. Attacks are happening because they want to convey a message that this issue remains unresolved and needs to be settled,” he said.
Abdullah said that he has always advocated friendship with Pakistan as war will only bring destruction. “Here, they are saying that it has been decided that the part with Pakistan will be taken from them. There will be a big war leading to our destruction for all of us. The war only leads to destruction. I am tired of making them understand this; I have always talked about friendship,” he added.
“Today, I am dubbed a Pakistani, Khalistani, an American agent, and now I am myself confused, what am I? War does not settle issues; war is a path to destruction. If the killing of innocents continues, the issue of talks would end,” he said.
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