Diplomat Correspondent
Srinagar, (DD): National Conference President Dr. Farooq Abdullah on Thursday voiced serious concern over growing tensions between India and Pakistan, cautioning that both countries appear to be on a path toward potential conflict. He added that diplomatic backchannel efforts are underway, but their success remains uncertain.
“Both nations seem to be preparing for war, yet talks are happening behind the scenes to ease the situation,” Abdullah told reporters. “Whether these efforts succeed, only time will tell.”
Referring to the recent repatriation of Pakistani nationals following the deadly April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Abdullah criticized the move as unjust. While acknowledging security lapses, he argued that punishing innocent people was not a solution.
“This was undoubtedly a failure of our security apparatus,” he said. “Pakistan cannot tolerate our peace and development, so they resort to violence and propaganda. But they forget the suffering this causes to Indian Muslims, who already face immense challenges.”
He also condemned what he described as a decade-long campaign of marginalization targeting Muslims in India, mentioning incidents of mosque attacks and efforts to erase cultural identity.
Commenting on recent remarks by Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir on the two-nation theory, Abdullah warned that such rhetoric only adds fuel to an already volatile situation. “Even if a war breaks out, it will ultimately end at the negotiating table. What that outcome will be—only Allah knows,” he said.
He urged leaders on both sides to show restraint and prioritize peace. “A war won’t just affect soldiers. It will devastate ordinary people on both sides of the border,” he concluded.(DD
