Farooq Abdullah Calls for India-Pakistan Dialogue Despite Ongoing Violence

National Conference president Farooq Abdullah made a strong appeal for bilateral dialogue between India and Pakistan on Thursday, November 12, 2026. Addressing reporters in Jammu, the former chief minister asserted that military confrontation and bullets cannot settle political disputes, countering the central government's stance that talks and hostilities cannot occur simultaneously.

Plea for Engagement

Mr. Abdullah emphasized that waiting for complete peace before starting negotiations is impractical, stating that darkness would fall by the time the guns fall silent. He urged Islamabad to halt terrorism to foster a positive environment for engagement, noting that global conflicts in places like Iran and Ukraine demonstrate that destruction is the sole outcome of warfare.

Security Concerns and Regional Cooperation

Addressing recent twin terror attacks in Kulgam and Kishtwar that resulted in the deaths of two Special Police Officers and injuries to three CRPF personnel, Mr. Abdullah expressed concern over claims from Delhi that terrorism has ended in Jammu and Kashmir. He maintained that the persistent threat requires concrete elimination measures. Furthermore, he proposed reviving SAARC to foster collective regional progress, likening the potential cooperation to the European Union.

Integral Status of Kashmir

Reiterating his stance on regional sovereignty, Mr. Abdullah stated that Kashmir was, is, and will always remain an integral part of India. He clarified his previous remarks concerning Pakistan by explaining he was referencing historical atrocities from the 1947 tribal invasion and stressed that Pakistan must move past repeatedly raising the Kashmir issue.