Kashmir Impulse Desk

Anantnag, May 15

National Conference (NC) President Farooq Abdullah on Thursday welcomed remarks by a senior Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader advocating dialogue with Pakistan, saying talks remained the only way to resolve conflicts.

The former chief minister also backed former Army chief M M Naravane for supporting the remarks made earlier this week by RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale.

“It is a matter of joy that the RSS leader and former Army chief have advocated dialogue and talks with Pakistan,” Abdullah told reporters in Anantnag. “This is an appropriate time and opportunity for the Government of India to consider and implement the suggestion.”

Abdullah said similar remarks made by him in the past would have drawn criticism and accusations of being “anti-national”.

“Thank God no BJP leader criticised or opposed the remarks,” he said.

The NC leader said dialogue was the only viable means of resolving international disputes and conflicts.

“I am glad that somebody is finally thinking that war is not an option. Through dialogue, we have to solve all our problems, whether it is the Iran-US-Israel conflict or the Russia-Ukraine conflict,” he said.

Earlier, Mehbooba Mufti had also welcomed Hosabale’s remarks, saying sustained engagement between India and Pakistan positively impacted Jammu and Kashmir.

In an interview with PTI earlier this week, Hosabale said people-to-people contact was essential for improving ties between India and Pakistan and that channels for dialogue should remain open.

He also said Pakistan’s political and military leadership had lost India’s confidence, while suggesting that civil society could play a role in rebuilding relations.

Commenting on the ongoing BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting in New Delhi, Abdullah expressed hope that the grouping would help promote peace efforts in the Middle East.

He also welcomed US President Donald Trump’s visit to China.

About austerity measures adopted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several Union ministers, including reducing the size of official motorcades, Abdullah said the move was necessary in view of fuel shortages.

“I think it is very good. It shows that we are short of fuel, and obviously, there is a shortage. I hope everybody will reduce their cavalcade,” he said.