Diplomat Correspondent
Jammu, (DD): National Conference (NC) president Dr. Farooq Abdullah on Wednesday said that restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood will not automatically eliminate terrorism and emphasized the need for collective public efforts to achieve lasting peace.
Speaking to reporters, Abdullah said that while statehood remains an important issue, it is not a solution to terrorism.
“Even if we regain statehood, will that alone end terrorism? Those claiming that terrorism has been eradicated should be asked whether that is truly the case,” he remarked.
Referring to a recent attack on security forces, he pointed out that two soldiers were martyred in an improvised explosive device (IED) blast just a day ago. “Where did that come from? We need people’s support to restore normalcy. It is time for peace because without it, real progress is impossible. Our youth are struggling with unemployment—how can we solve these problems without stability?” he questioned.
On national politics, Abdullah also reflected on the Delhi Assembly election results, stating that a pre-poll alliance between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Congress could have changed the outcome.
“The INDIA bloc remains united, but mistakes were made in Delhi. A stronger understanding between AAP and Congress could have led to different results. These issues need to be discussed,” he added.(DD)