Farooq Abdullah: Terrorism Cannot Decide Kashmir’s Future

Srinagar: Ruling National Conference (NC) president and former chief minister Farooq Abdullah on Thursday asserted that terrorism can never succeed in Jammu and Kashmir, emphasising that those who believe Kashmir can be taken through violence and bloodshed are living under a grave misconception.

Speaking to reporters, Abdullah said that despite repeated claims by some political leaders in New Delhi that terrorism has been eliminated from the erstwhile state, the reality on the ground suggests otherwise. He maintained that incidents of violence continue to occur and stressed the need for a serious and sustained effort to eradicate terrorism completely.

Referring to the recent terrorist attack in Kishtwar in which two Special Police Officers (SPOs) were targeted, Abdullah said such incidents serve as a reminder that the threat has not disappeared. “Nobody knows where the next attack may take place,” he remarked, underscoring the continuing security challenges.

Commenting on the Centre’s claims of normalcy following the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, Abdullah said that while terrorism still exists, people should not live in fear. Reaffirming his position on J&K’s constitutional status, he declared, “Kashmir was, is, and will remain a part of India. Those who think otherwise can do whatever they wish, but terrorism will not change that reality.”

On relations with Pakistan, Abdullah said he has repeatedly reminded the neighbouring country of the painful events associated with past conflicts in Kashmir. Recalling historical episodes of violence, he referred to killings and atrocities committed during the tribal invasion of 1947, including the murder of medical personnel at a Christian missionary hospital.

He criticised Pakistan’s continued focus on Kashmir in international forums, arguing that slogans alone cannot resolve complex and longstanding issues. Drawing parallels with global conflicts, including tensions involving Iran, the United States and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, Abdullah said wars leave destruction in their wake, while dialogue ultimately provides the only sustainable path to peace.

“I always tell Pakistan to stop supporting terrorism. Nothing will come out of violence. The only way forward is through dialogue and engagement. We were once part of the same country, and meaningful discussions can help find solutions,” he said.

Advocating greater regional cooperation, Abdullah called for the revival of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), saying the regional bloc should once again become a platform for dialogue, cooperation and economic progress among South Asian nations.

Drawing a historical comparison, he noted that Europe, despite suffering devastation during World War II under Adolf Hitler, eventually moved towards unity and integration. “Today, European countries have come together with shared institutions and common goals. South Asia must also move towards cooperation rather than confrontation,” he said.

At the same time, Abdullah reiterated that peace initiatives cannot succeed in an atmosphere of violence. “Bullets and talks cannot go together,” he asserted.

The NC leader has recently been at the centre of political controversy after questioning New Delhi’s intentions regarding J&K and alleging that the Centre’s actions often contradict its stated commitments. He had also remarked that Pakistan’s persistent international focus on Kashmir has contributed to keeping the issue alive on the global stage. Those comments drew sharp criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), several other political organisations, and many social media users.

When asked about Sonia Gandhi’s book, Abdullah said he had not yet read it and therefore could not offer any opinion on its contents. “I have not read the book. Until I do so, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on it,” he said.