Jammu and Kashmir National Conference leader and ex Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah (File).
New Delhi:
National Conference boss Farooq Abdullah has called out Pakistan as the source of terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir and warned that country to “put an end” to its constant attacks. He urged Islamabad to “find a way to be friends… otherwise issues will arise”.
His comment follows a worrying series of terror attacks in the former state, including one late Thursday night in which an Army vehicle in Baramulla was targeted and four people – two soldiers and two civilians – were killed. Three days earlier six construction workers and a doctor were gunned down.
“These (terror attacks) will continue in the state till we find a suitable solution… we are all aware of the origin. For 30 years I have witnessed the killing of innocent people. Why are they (Pakistan) doing this and sabotaging their own future… when we will not be a part of Pakistan?”
“Many of our colleagues have been martyred… but it continues every year and you know the ones responsible for it. They mistakenly think this will help them unite Kashmir with Pakistan…”
Baramulla, J&K: JKNC President Farooq Abdullah reacts to the recent terror attack, says, “I have been witnessing this since 1984. This terrorism has not stopped. Many of our colleagues were martyred, but it still continues every year. This means it has not stopped, and you know… pic.twitter.com/isPorL3eCf
— IANS (@ians_india) October 25, 2024
“They ought to focus on problems facing their nation. I urge them to put an end to this and find a way to be friends… otherwise, issues will arise.” Mr Abdullah told a local news channel.
“I am sorry to the families of those who were hurt and those who died,” he said, echoing the statement last night by his son and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
Very unfortunate news about the attack on the army vehicles in the Boota Pathri area of North Kashmir which has resulted in some casualties & injuries. This recent spate of attacks in Kashmir is a matter of serious concern. I condemn this attack is the strongest possible terms &…
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) October 24, 2024
Earlier today intelligence community sources told NDTV of a terrorist training camp in Pakistan’s Abbottabad – the home of former al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden – running next to a Pak Army base.
READ | ‘Terror Factory’ In Pak’s Abbottabad, Where Bin Laden Had Base
Farooq Abdullah’s comment also comes amid criticism from the BJP, which pounced on a statement by Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif that the NC and the Congress’ position on restoration of Article 370 – which was mentioned in their election manifestos – were the same. “Pakistan, a terrorist state, endorses Congress and NC’s position on Kashmir…” the BJP’s Amit Malviya said on X.
READ | “I Don’t Know What Pak Says. I Am An Indian Citizen”: Farooq Abdullah
Mr Abdullah’s party swept to victory in this month’s J&K Assembly election – the first in a decade for the former state, which was lost special status in 2019 and bifurcated into two union territories.
The NC had allied with the Congress, under the INDIA bloc banner, but eventually did not need the beleaguered national party’s support, winning 42 of 90 elected seats on its own and then being backed by four independents and the lone AAP MLA, taking it past the majority mark of 46.
Mr Abdullah’s son, Omar Abdullah, took oath as Chief Minister last week.
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