Shopian, July 2, KNT: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday strongly backed renewed dialogue between India and Pakistan, saying sustained engagement remains the only way to improve relations between the two neighbouring countries and reduce long-standing tensions.
Speaking to reporters during his visit to Shopian, Omar Abdullah welcomed a recent appeal by a group of eminent citizens from India and Pakistan urging the leadership of both countries to resume dialogue.
He said tensions between the two countries have persisted for decades and worsened following the Pahalgam attack last year, making renewed diplomatic engagement all the more important.
“The appeal seeks a way forward to improve relations between the two countries. There should be no objection to such an initiative,” the Chief Minister said.
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Omar Abdullah also questioned why leaders from Jammu and Kashmir often face criticism for advocating dialogue while similar views expressed by leaders outside the region do not attract the same reaction.
Referring to recent remarks by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat in favour of engagement between India and Pakistan, Omar Abdullah said there should be no double standards in responding to calls for peace.
Invoking former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s well-known observation that “friends can be changed, but neighbours cannot,” the Chief Minister said improving relations between neighbouring countries remains essential for lasting peace and stability in the region.
His remarks come amid renewed debate over bilateral engagement following the recent appeal by prominent citizens from both countries for the resumption of dialogue. [KNT]
