Statehood Alone Won’t End Terrorism in J&K, Farooq Abdullah Stresses Need for People’s Support
Statehood won't end terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir; lasting peace requires unity, people's support, and addressing core issues like unemployment
SRINAGAR, Feb 12: National Conference (NC) president Dr. Farooq Abdullah recently expressed his concerns about the prevailing situation in Jammu and Kashmir, asserting that the restoration of statehood alone would not eliminate terrorism in the region. Emphasizing the need for broader support, he stated that lasting peace can only be achieved through the active engagement and cooperation of the people.
In a candid interaction with reporters, Farooq Abdullah addressed the ongoing debate around the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. While acknowledging the long-standing demand for the return of statehood, he made it clear that even if the demand is met, it will not put an end to the region’s complex issues, particularly terrorism. “The issue of statehood has been around for years, but do people genuinely believe that restoring statehood will end terrorism? Those who have been making grand claims about the end of terrorism, ask them if it’s truly over,” he remarked.
Abdullah highlighted the grim reality of the situation, citing the recent tragedy where two soldiers were martyred in an IED (Improvised Explosive Device) blast, illustrating the persistent security challenges. “Where did this attack come from? The threat of terrorism is still present. We need the support of the people to restore normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir,” he stressed. He further emphasized that peace was crucial for addressing the region’s pressing issues, especially the widespread unemployment among the youth. “How can we tackle these issues when peace remains elusive?” he questioned, underscoring that only through peace could the region begin to heal and prosper.
On the political front, Abdullah also weighed in on the potential of alliances within the national political spectrum. Referring to the Delhi Assembly elections, he noted that a pre-poll alliance between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Congress could have altered the outcome. “The spirit of the INDIA bloc remains intact. However, some mistakes were made in Delhi. Had there been better understanding and coordination between AAP and Congress, the results could have been different,” he opined. According to Abdullah, these political dynamics need to be discussed further, with a focus on overcoming any misunderstandings for future collaborations.
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