Farooq Abdullah: Militancy Persists in Jammu and Kashmir, Dialogue Vital for Resolution

13-09-2023 : National Conference president Farooq Abdullah emphasized on Wednesday that militancy in Jammu and Kashmir would persist until India and Pakistan engage in dialogue to resolve all outstanding conflicts.

In an interview with a media agency following a meeting at the party office, Abdullah stated that encounters and security incidents will continue unless both countries come to the negotiating table to seek a comprehensive solution. He expressed his belief that it would be inaccurate to assert that militancy has been eradicated from the region.

Addressing the removal of additional duties on the import of apples, walnuts, and almonds from the United States, Abdullah voiced concerns that this action might lead to a decline in the prices of locally produced goods. He highlighted the apprehensions of farmers in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, who have invested significant resources, fearing that the prices of locally grown produce could drop, resulting in financial losses.

Abdullah called upon the government to address this matter promptly to protect the interests of the farmers. He stressed that any losses suffered by them would ultimately have adverse consequences for the nation.

Regarding the agenda of the opposition INDIA bloc’s coordination committee meeting, scheduled to take place in the national capital, Abdullah refrained from commenting. Instead, he mentioned that Omar Abdullah, a representative of the National Conference, would attend the meeting, and details of the decisions made would be shared afterward.