Farooq Abdullah’s Bold Statement: ‘Kashmir Will Never Become Pakistan’ After J&K Terror Attack
3 min read
In the wake of the most recent terror attack in Gagangir area, Jammu and Kashmir, Farooq Abdullah, a former chief minister and a leader of the National Conference, has stated in extremely strong terms, “Kashmir Pakistan nahi banega” (Kashmir will not be Pakistan). His statements have come at a time when the violence in the region has been on the rise and they represent his long standing position that Kashmir is an integral part of India.
Background of the Incident
The statement was after Jammu and Kashmir witnessed a terror attack, which included the Gagangir area which was worrying for many in regards with terrorist cross borders movement. Abdullah seemed to be particularly pained by Pakistan’s role in weaving a web of insurrection in Kashmir and said that Pakistan should cease its terrorist activities against India if that is what they truly want.
Abdullah also pointed to Pakistan’s backing of several terror organizations as being a principal factor in the region’s instability and the daily life of Kashmiris being ‘upended’. He stressed that the fate of Kashmir does not lie with Pakistan but with India and that no power from outside will be able to alter that position.
Abdullah’s Appeal for Peace
Abdullah was quite aggressive in condemning terrorism, however, he also found it appropriate to call for peace in the region and the need for dialogue. He drew on the legacy of the previous Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and used the example of India and Pakistan who can sort out their differences amicably instead of resolving them through violence. He recollected the famous statement of Vajpayee since “We can change our friends, but not our neighbours”, and approached on bettering diplomatic ties more.
He also directed the attention towards some statements of Pakistani leaders who recently issued that they were ready to talk to India. On that as well he was critical about the Indian side being so reluctant to talk regardless of the increasing pressure. He cautioned that if no steps are taken in this direction then the situation in that region called Kashmir will not improve and might even turn out to be as bad as the situation in Gaza, which is a place where so much havoc has already been carried out.
The Terrorist Incident in Jammu and Kashmir as One Off Incidents
The recent attack by the terrorists on security forces was reported as one the many that have increased enmity within the Jammu and Kashmir region. The government of India has been quite proactive against the terrorist entities sponsoring cross border terrorism and their weapons have quieted the affected zones after a barrage of retaliatory cross border strikes. Air surveillance is also being utilized by the IPA personnel in close quarter operations for terrorist bunkers especially with an increase in recruitment in the terrorist areas and search and destroy missions in places like Rajouri and Poonch.
Abdullah’s Vision for Kashmir
Abdullah keeps hoping for a resolution to the conflict with negotiations, regardless of the violence that is still going on. He constantly sounds appeals for the cessation of hostilities, calling both countries to work for the interests of Kashmiris who have been the victims of crossfire for decades.
Abdullah’s message is unambiguous
Kashmir shall always be a part of India and this position is non-negotiable. He has also been unapologetically critical of any efforts to secede the region out of India’s fold. He has cautioned Pakistan that there will be no success in trying to create terrorism in Kashmir for the purposes of its destabilisation.
Conclusion
Farooq Abdullah’s averment: Kashmir Pakistan Nahi Banega, is succinct yet an uncompromising word put across to Pakistan. His strong words point to the need for peace and concord in Jammu and Kashmir and show the kind of determination India has on the issue. Abdullah sticks to his position that given the current unrest in Jammu and Kashmir, negotiation is the only option there is.
