Fayaz Bukhari
Srinagar, Sept 8: Former Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, today accused Pakistan of creating hurdles in the talks process between India and Pakistan by raking such issues which are not acceptable to India.
Speaking to reports on the sidelines of a function organized on the occasion of anniversary of National Conference founder, Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, Omar accused Pakistan of creating hurdles in the talks process. “It is being said that Pakistan is saying that United Nations should monitor the ceasefire violations. They know that India will never accept it. You are deliberately creating hurdles in the talks process. What are we gaining?”, he asked.
Former Chief Minister said that instead of improving the situation it is being deteriorated. “The situation that is being developed is not good. The threatening after threatening that is being issued, instead of improving the situation it is being deteriorated”, he added.
Omar said that National Security Advisor (NSA) level talks didn’t take place and now Director General Military Operations (DGMOs) level talks are also in danger.
The NC leader said that both the countries should stop firing at the borders and make progress towards talks process. “One, they should stop firing. They should also stop threatening each other, then only there will be improvement in the situation and we will progress towards the talks process. We all know that there is no solution except talking”, he said.
Omar said that gun is no solution to the issues, it only brings destruction. “If the gun would have been an answer to the resolution of this issue, then for 25 years we saw the destruction the gun brought here and we are nowhere near the resolution of the issue”, he said.
The former Chief Minister said that India and Pakistan should pave way for talks process and end hostilities. “India and Pakistan have fought three and a half wars but the issue has not been resolved. If the issue is to be solved it will be solved through dialogue. It is duty of both India and Pakistan to make way for the talks”, he said.
Earlier, speaking at a function organized to commemorate the death anniversary of NC founder Sheikh Abdullah, former Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah appealed India and Pakistan to stop war-mongering while referring to recent statements of leaders from both the countries. “War threats are being issued from both India and Pakistan. And if war happens, poor Kashmiris will be killed on both sides of the border,” he said, adding: “And nothing will change even after that.”
Abdullah appealed both India and Pakistan to desist from such posturing and asked them to initiate dialogue as only talks will solve the issues.
The former Chief Minister also lashed out at the Bharatiya Janata Party for making efforts to divide the State. “Now there is another issue of Dogra certificate. They want to divide Jammu and Kashmir. We won’t let them do it. We warn them that they will be responsible for the situation that develops in the State,” he said.
Abdullah while cautioning India and Pakistan about the ramification of war said that atmosphere of hostility brewing at present is making the situation volatile and dangerous for peace. “This is in no way in the interest either of the country”, he added.
“It is the people of Jammu and Kashmir living in this part and across have to face the destruction, loss of human lives and property in any war between India and Pakistan,” said former Chief Minister. He said Jammu and Kashmir is the first target to get hit by the bombardment and exchange of heavy fire. He said it has been observed world over that wars only make problems complex without doing any service to the people and resolving issues.
Abdullah appealed to both the countries to shun the raising of voices of hostility and war. He said table is the only way forward to discuss and resolve issues. He asked the leadership of India and Pakistan to restore talks and focus on settling all matters on table. He referred to the former BJP Prime Minister’s speech at Tanghdar in which he (Atal Bihari Vajpayee) mentioned that ‘friends can be changed but not neighbours’ and extended hand of friendship to Pakistan for peaceful and amicable resolution of all issues.
The NC leader also underlined the need for talks between the Centre and the separatist leaders. He appealed to the separatist organizations to resort to the road of dialogue process to discuss issues and find out their solution. “There is no other way forward but a friendly and amicable atmosphere for resolving all issues” he added.
Abdullah cautioned about the attempts of some elements to disintegrate Jammu and Kashmir and said that such attempts are totally harmful for the State of Jammu and Kashmir and for the entire Country. He said Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh are one unit and those who want to wedge apart the people on regional and communal politics are their enemies and their designs need be foiled at all levels. He reminded the people of the teachings of Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah regarding communal and regional amity and brotherhood. He said late Sheikh’s slogan of Hindu, Muslim, Sikh and Christian brotherhood and solidarity has to be further strengthened by the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
The former Chief Minister highlighted the miseries and hardships of the flood sufferers and asked the Central Government to immediately approve Rs 44000 Crore flood relief package presented by the Omar led Government for the rehabilitation of the flood survivors.
Abdullah criticized Mufti Government for not making any dent in this regard at the Central Government level and asked him to deliver or leave the chair. He said with the onset of winter the hardships of flood sufferers will further aggravate as such immediate approval to the package is need of the hour.
The NC leader urged the rank and file of the NC to be in close rapport with people at all levels and strengthen the party to achieve the goal of Naya Kashmir envisioned by the great Leader Late Sher-i-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah. He paid rich tributes to Sheikh on his death anniversary and highlighted his sacrifices and selfless service to the people and the State.
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