Farooq Abdullah dismissed claims of Union Minister Jitendra Singh who had said that reclaiming Muzaffarabad from Pakistan was next on India’s agenda, saying that dialogue between India-Pakistan in must for peace in Jammu and Kashmir.
Earlier Jitendra Singh had said the leadership which has the capacity and the will to abrogate Article 370, also has the capacity to retrieve Muzaffarabad from the “illegal occupation of Pakistan.”
”I have been repeatedly saying that India and Pakistan have to talk (for peace in Jammu and Kashmir). Threats are being held that we will take this thing or that which cannot solve the issue,” Abdullah told reporters at the Digiana Ashram where he had gone to inquire about the health of Sikh leader Mahant Manjeet Singh.
”When they can talk to China which entered our territory and set up villages, why cannot they talk to them (Pakistan) who are across the border,” he said.
Insisting on dialogue between India and Pakistan, Abdullah said that ”neither we have to give something nor can take anything. We have to work to set this line (Line of Control) right so that there is easy travel and trade on both sides”. Those people who are on the other side of the line are our own, the former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister said.
On India-Pakistan, Abdullah said when people on both sides come and go, the hatred will be replaced by love which will pave the way for peace in the region.
To a question about the recent incidents of targeted killings by militants in Kashmir, he said, ”This (militancy) is not a new thing for Jammu and Kashmir but once the hearts are won, the issue will be addressed.” On demands for restoration of statehood at a time when the Centre’s has accepted to repeal the farm laws, he said,
”I am hopeful that they (BJP government) will hear the voice of the hearts of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.”
”The prime minister had himself said he wanted to remove ‘Dil ki Doori and Dilli Ki Doori’ (while chairing an meeting of all parties of J&K in June). If he really wants to address the gap, it is imperative for them (government) to restore statehood and also return the autonomy which was eroded,” Abdullah said.
