Examiner Bureau | Srinagar:
National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Thursday welcomed remarks by RSS functionary Dattatreya Hosabale advocating dialogue with Pakistan, asserting that war cannot be the solution to longstanding issues between the two countries.
Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, the three-time former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir also appreciated former Army Chief M. M. Naravane for backing Hosabale’s statement.
“It is a very significant development that an RSS leader has spoken in favour of talks with Pakistan, and the former Army chief has also supported the idea. I am glad that people are beginning to realise that war is not an option. Dialogue is the only way through which problems can be resolved,” Abdullah said.
Earlier this week, Hosabale, in an interview with PTI Videos, stressed that people-to-people engagement remains crucial for breaking the deadlock between India and Pakistan and maintained that channels of dialogue should always remain open. He had also remarked that while Pakistan’s military and political leadership had lost India’s trust, civil society could still play a constructive role in improving ties.
Responding to the ongoing BRICS conclave in New Delhi, Abdullah expressed hope that the grouping would contribute towards peace efforts in the Middle East. He also welcomed the visit of US President Donald Trump to China amid evolving global geopolitical developments.
Commenting on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several Union ministers reportedly downsizing their official cavalcades as part of austerity measures, Abdullah said the move reflected the seriousness of the emerging fuel crisis.
“I think it is a very good step. It shows there is a shortage of fuel, and everyone should contribute by reducing unnecessary expenditure and large cavalcades,” he said.
