Jammu and Kashmir National Conference chief Dr Farooq Abdullah and Apni Party chief Altaf Bukhari on Thursday welcomed recent remarks by RSS leader Dattatreya Hosabale and former Army Chief General Manoj Naravane advocating dialogue with Pakistan. Both leaders described the statements as a welcome step in the right direction.
Farooq Abdullah said, “It is a very big move that the RSS leader has said there should be talks with Pakistan, and the former Army chief has also backed his statement. I am glad that someone is now thinking that war is not an option. Dialogue is the only way to resolve issues.”
Altaf Bukhari said the Government of India must first engage in dialogue with the people of Jammu and Kashmir rather than Pakistan. “I am saying this again and again because I see growing restlessness among the people, especially the youth. People here are facing multiple issues that need to be addressed as soon as possible,” he said.
The RSS leader had earlier stated that people-to-people contact was key to breaking the deadlock with Pakistan and that there should always be window for dialogue. He added that Pakistan’s military and political leadership had lost India’s confidence.
His statement was supported by former Army Chief Manoj Naravane, who emphasised that both sides must engage diplomatically and resume people-to-people contact and trade.
Also read: Sakeena Itoo calls for accountability in NEET paper leak case
Follow us
