Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, in a volte-face, said there was “no scope” of India initiating a dialogue with Pakistan following a spree of terror attacks on security forces and construction camps in the state.
In an interview with the BBC, Abdullah, who had last year pitched for talks between the two nations, accused Pakistan of “meddling” in the affairs of J&K.
“Pakistan has never stopped meddling (in J&K’s affairs). It would be foolish to suggest that what J&K has seen has been purely indigenous without outside assistance. At the moment, there is no scope (for talks) due to the sort of attacks that have happened in the past few years,” Abdullah said.
According to government data, 122 people were killed in 60 terror incidents across Jammu and Kashmir, including 32 civilians and 26 security forces personnel, in 2024.
The National Conference vice-president stressed that Pakistan would have to take on board some of the Indian government’s concerns for a “friendly working relationship”.
“Trying to get Pakistan to take on board some of the government’s concerns so that we can establish a friendly working relationship is something the National Conference has talked about,” he further said.
The Chief Minister also outrightly rejected any possibility of Article 370, which was abrogated in 2019, being restored in the Union Territory. “No! Simple as that,” Abdullah said.
Interestingly, ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, both Omar and his father Farooq Abdullah batted for the resumption of talks with Pakistan.
Addressing an election rally in north Kashmir, Omar said, “The NC always supported a dialogue process (with Pakistan). Listen to Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He said friends can be changed, not neighbours. Pakistan was, is and will remain a neighbour.”
While his predecessor, Mehbooba Mufti, was an ardent supporter of talks with Pakistan, this is the first time that Omar has rejected any sort of dialogue with India’s neighbour after becoming the Chief Minister for a second term.
