Omar Abdullah rules out talks with Pakistan, cites rising terror attacks in J&K
Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has taken a U-turn, stating that there is "no scope" for India to engage in dialogue with Pakistan in light of escalating terror attacks on security forces and construction camps in the region, media reports said.
In an interview with the BBC, Abdullah, who had previously advocated for talks between the two nations, accused Pakistan of "meddling" in J&K's affairs.
"Pakistan has never stopped meddling (in J&K's affairs). It would be foolish to suggest that what J&K has seen has been purely indigenous without outside assistance. At the moment, there is no scope (for talks) due to the sort of attacks that have happened in the past few years," Abdullah said, according to an India Today report.
As per government data, Jammu and Kashmir witnessed 60 terror-related incidents in 2024, resulting in 122 deaths, including 32 civilians and 26 security personnel.
The National Conference vice-president emphasised that for a "friendly working relationship" to exist, Pakistan must acknowledge some of the Indian government’s concerns.
"Trying to get Pakistan to take on board some of the government's concerns so that we can establish a friendly working relationship is something the National Conference has talked about," he said, the report added.
Notably, ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, both Omar and his father, Farooq Abdullah, had pushed for the resumption of talks with Pakistan.
During an election rally in north Kashmir, Omar reiterated the National Conference’s longstanding support for dialogue with Pakistan.
"The NC always supported a dialogue process (with Pakistan). Listen to Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He said friends can be changed, not neighbours. Pakistan was, is and will remain a neighbour," he had said.
While his predecessor, Mehbooba Mufti, had been a strong proponent of talks with Pakistan, this marks the first time Omar has outright rejected dialogue with India's neighbour since assuming office for a second term.
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