Dr. Farooq welcomes calls for dialogue with Pakistan
Calls war not an option, stresses diplomacy and people-to-people engagement
Srinagar, 14 May: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President Dr. Farooq Abdullah Wednesday welcomed recent remarks by RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale advocating dialogue with Pakistan, asserting that lasting peace can only be achieved through engagement rather than conflict.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an event in Srinagar, Dr. Farooq said India must address all outstanding issues with Pakistan through meaningful dialogue, emphasizing that war is not an option.
Calling the statement significant, Dr. Farooq said he was encouraged that influential voices were increasingly recognising the importance of diplomacy and peaceful engagement.
“It is a very big move that the RSS leadership has spoken in favour of talks with Pakistan, and the former Army chief has also supported the idea. I am glad that people are now realising that war is not an option. Dialogue is the only way forward, and through dialogue we must resolve our issues,” he said.
Earlier in the day, Dr. Farooq attended the grand finale of the YES Genius 3.0 event held at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre in Srinagar.
Addressing the gathering during the YES Genius Jam Edition-2, a major talent showcase featuring students from YES India institutions across eight states, Dr. Farooq appreciated the initiative for providing young people with a platform to display their skills and creativity.
He said the Omar Abdullah-led government is actively working to promote youth development, with a strong emphasis on skill-based education and modernising the education system to meet emerging challenges.
Highlighting the vital role of teachers in shaping society, he stressed the need to upgrade educational standards and create opportunities that prepare students for the demands of a rapidly changing world.
