Omar Abdullah Supports Dialogue with Pakistan, Questions Unequal Criticism
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday backed initiatives to resume dialogue between India and Pakistan, stating that his party desires improved relations between the two neighbouring countries.
Referring to a joint open letter signed by over 100 individuals from India and Pakistan, Mr. Abdullah said, “A request is being made to the Prime Minister via a letter to find a way to improve relations between the two countries. No one should have any objection to this.” He noted that RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat had recently stated that India and Pakistan should talk and establish friendly ties, and that similar remarks by Mr. Bhagwat did not invite criticism.
Mr. Abdullah recalled a statement by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who said, “One can change friends but not neighbours.” He added, “We also want relations between neighbours to improve.”
The Chief Minister acknowledged that cross-border tensions have persisted for decades and worsened after the Pahalgam terror attack last year. He questioned why his party’s consistent stance on dialogue is often labelled anti-national, while similar statements from other leaders are not criticised. “Why do similar remarks by leaders from Jammu and Kashmir invite sharp criticism, while statements favouring dialogue by senior RSS leaders do not?” he asked.
Mr. Abdullah emphasised that the recent appeal by prominent citizens from both countries reflects a sentiment long expressed across the political spectrum. He argued that calls for peace and engagement should not become controversial when voiced from Jammu and Kashmir.
