ISLAMABAD: National Conference (NC) President Farooq Abdullah has criticized the normalcy propaganda being promoted by the Modi-led Indian government in Indian Illegally-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJ&K) and asked for addressing the fundamental issue of Kashmir through dialogues with Pakistan.
According to Kashmir Media Service, talking in Srinagar, Farooq Abdullah said, militancy persists in Jammu and Kashmir and it cannot be eradicated by the use of military or police, urging New Delhi to find ways to address its root cause.
”Shouting normalcy or propagating tourist arrivals,” he said adding that peace will not end militancy which is still alive.
Despite the government’s claims that militancy ended after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, Abdullah pointed out that it still exists, emphasizing the importance of understanding the underlying Kashmir dispute.
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Abdullah’s comments were in response to the killing of a retired police officer in Baramulla district. He criticized those proclaiming normalcy, stating that superficial attempts to heal wounds without addressing the root cause are insufficient.
According to Abdullah, the Modi government must adopt a more insightful approach to end the bloodshed in Jammu and Kashmir. He advised against relying on military or police measures, emphasizing the necessity of delving deeper into the issue to find a lasting solution. Abdullah dismissed government claims of everything being fine, citing recent incidents in Poonch and Rajouri as evidence to the contrary.
Regarding the ongoing conflict, Abdullah stated that mere propaganda would not yield results, and a genuine solution must be sought, as people are losing their lives. When asked about the prospect of India and Pakistan engaging in talks to address the problem, Abdullah suggested that the central government should make that decision.
Abdullah further called for a judicial inquiry into the killing of three civilians in the Indian army’s custody and demanded exemplary punishment for those responsible for the brutal murders. He characterized the incident as a tragic event and a violation of human rights. —APP
