On Tuesday, Farooq Abdullah, the leader of the National Conference and former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, expressed concern, asserting that if diplomatic negotiations between India and Pakistan do not materialize, Kashmir may face a fate akin to that of Gaza and Palestine. Abdullah's stark comments emerged in the aftermath of a terrorist attack in Poonch that claimed the lives of five Army Jawans and resulted in the tragic deaths of three civilians the subsequent day.
The seasoned politician emphasized the importance of dialogue in resolving the longstanding disputes, drawing attention to the analogy of Gaza and Palestine, regions currently experiencing conflict and airstrikes. He invoked the perspective of the late Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, quoting Vajpayee's stance on maintaining amicable relations with neighbors, underscoring the belief that friendly relations contribute to mutual progress. Abdullah also referenced Prime Minister Modi's acknowledgment that war is not a viable option, emphasizing the necessity of resolving matters through peaceful dialogue.
Expressing frustration over the apparent absence of dialogue, Abdullah questioned why India was not reciprocating Pakistan's willingness to engage in talks, particularly with the prospect of Nawaz Sharif assuming the role of Prime Minister. He cautioned that failure to find a diplomatic solution could lead to a situation reminiscent of the conflict-ridden areas being bombarded by Israel.
In parallel developments, Army Chief Manoj Pande visited the Rajouri and Poonch districts, instructing local soldiers to dismantle caves used by terrorists as hideouts while reviewing security arrangements. As aerial surveillance and combing operations continued for the seventh day in Rajouri-Poonch, particularly in the forested regions of Dera Ki Gali and Bafliyaz, mobile internet services remained suspended for the fourth consecutive day.
Adding to the developments, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh is slated to visit the Rajouri-Poonch sector on Wednesday, intending to engage with on-duty soldiers in the international border area and meet civilians grappling with the aftermath of the recent terrorist attacks in the region.
