National Conference leaders defend Farooq Abdullah over controversial statement on PoK

Opposition National Conference leaders on Sunday came in the defense of party president Farooq Abdullah over his controversial remarks saying his statement was based on “facts” as history stands testimony that the LoC has not been altered during the past nearly seven decades.

Questioning BJP’s political understanding, senior National Conference leaders in a joint statement said, “We want Line of Control to be the line of peace, line of mutual understanding, trust and regional cooperation rather than line of conflict and animosity.”

The NC leaders expressed hope India and Pakistan would come to terms with this reality and live like good neighbours.

“We cannot progress and prosper, carrying the baggage of animosity and hostility any longer, as generations have perished in pursuit of peace and tranquility,” the leaders said.

They also recalled that such a proposal was seriously considered by former prime minister Atal Behari Vajpyee during while discussing the issue with his Pakistani counterpart.

“And, both the leaders had agreed to the preposition in-principle,” they added. Lashing out at the BJP for its “uncalled for” reaction to the assertion of Farooq Abdullah, National Conference said that they should “open up their minds and not behave like ostrich”.

“Facing realities is better part of valour,” they said, adding that jingoistic posturing will only push the subcontinent to destruction and devastation.

They referred to the colossal loss to human lives during the four wars between the two countries and the ongoing “proxy war” in the Valley and said allowing this situation to continue will be a grave injustice to future generations, who have the right to progress and prosper in a healthy and peaceful environment.

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah on Sunday said neither India could take back PoK nor Pakistan has the power to take this part of Kashmir by going to war, so the solution to the problem lies in dialogue between the two countries.