It seems that the diplomacy is going on as it should have happened long back. The chest thumping narrative has finally given a space for the diplomatic talks between the neighbors so as it must happen between civilized nations.
Jammu and Kashmir National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah on Thursday expressed hope that the BRICS nations would play a role in ensuring peace in the Middle East and said dialogue between India and Pakistan was necessary to resolve issues.
Speaking at a public event here, Abdullah said he was glad that the BRICS grouping was meeting and hoped the bloc would “put pressure” for peace in the Middle East.
“I am glad that the American President is in China and I am sure China will also play its part because there is peace,” he said.
Referring to recent remarks by the RSS and the Indian Army chief, Abdullah said even they had spoken about the need for India and Pakistan to work together for resolving problems.
RSS general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale said India must protect its security and self-respect while keeping a ‘window for dialogue’ with Pakistan open. Citing attacks like Pulwama and Pahalgam, he stressed that trade, visas and cultural exchanges should continue, arguing that civil society ties could ease tensions. He framed this as part of India’s civilisational ethos, where deterrence and engagement can coexist.
The NC chief also appealed for maintaining mutual respect and friendship between people.
“If we are friends, then we can speak with respect,” he said.
During his address, Abdullah also spoke about Kashmir’s heritage and tourism potential and urged organisers to arrange separate programmes for children during future events so they could visit historical and tourist places across the Valley. (KNS).
Mehbooba Mufti reacts
Former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir and Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday claimed that secret talks between India and Pakistan have been going on for the last three months, even as she welcomed RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale’s recent comments in which he advocated for Indo-Pak dialogue and people to people communication.
“They talk about Operation Sindoor. But do you know that for the last three months, secret talks with Pakistan have been going on quietly behind the scenes? Do you know that retired diplomats, retired generals, and others go to foreign countries and sit with Pakistanis for discussions?” Mehbooba said.
Reacting to RSS functionary’s comments in an interview, she said, “It’s a welcome thing… If we wish to set life right in J&K, and establish lasting peace in this region once and for all, then we must always keep the window for dialogue with Pakistan open… Not just Mufti (Sayeed). Even (Atal Bihari) Vajpayee said that you may change your friends, but you cannot change your neighbours…”
She also claimed that there was no solution to the Jammu and Kashmir issue without talks. The PDP chief invoked the legacy of her father and former chief minister late Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, saying his “blueprint” remained the only viable roadmap for peace in Jammu and Kashmir.
“I want to tell all of you very clearly that without Mufti Sahib’s roadmap, there is no solution to the Jammu and Kashmir issue,” she said. Taking a dig at the BJP, she said, “Mufti Sahib always maintained that no matter what the BJP does, it would ultimately have to come to the negotiating table for dialogue.”
