Diplomat Correspondent
Srinagar, (DD)In a strongly worded statement, Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) President Dr. Farooq Abdullah Tuesday said that if the individuals killed in a recent encounter were indeed terrorists, then “it is good they got the lesson,” asserting that terrorism can never succeed in the Union Territory or anywhere else in the country.
“Terrorism will never succeed. If the killed were truly terrorists, then it’s good they were dealt with accordingly,” Dr. Abdullah told reporters during a public interaction. His remarks come amid heightened tensions and ongoing counter-terrorism operations in South Kashmir following a recent terror attack in the Pahalgam area, which was later avenged in a joint operation by security forces, killing three militants.
The former Chief Minister made the comments while addressing a group of students from various states of India who were on an educational tour to Jammu and Kashmir. He urged the youth to live meaningful, purpose-driven lives and become ambassadors of peace and harmony.
“I told them how to live a meaningful life and hoped they carry the name of Jammu & Kashmir with pride across the world,” he added.
Dr. Farooq Abdullah, a vocal advocate for dialogue and reconciliation, has often condemned terrorism but also stressed the importance of addressing the political aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. His latest comments reflect a hardened stance in the wake of continuing militant threats to peace in the region.
JKNC Vice President and former J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was also present at the event, although he did not comment on the encounter.
The statement comes in the backdrop of a major anti-terror operation in the Mahadev forest area near Pahalgam, Anantnag, where security forces gunned down three militants believed to be behind the July 17 terror ambush that killed four Army personnel. The joint operation involved the Indian Army, J&K Police, and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and lasted over 72 hours.
Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed a renewed spurt in terrorist activities in the past few months, especially in South Kashmir and border districts. However, security agencies have intensified operations and claimed major successes in neutralizing threats.
The National Conference, one of the oldest political parties in Jammu and Kashmir, has maintained that peace in the region can only be achieved through a combination of development, strong security measures, and meaningful political engagement(DD)
