“Ties With Pakistan Will Never Improve Until…”

On May 1, National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah described Pakistan as a “failed state,” asserting that relations between India and Pakistan would not improve until a “peoples’ government” is elected in the neighboring country. Speaking to reporters at the NC headquarters, Abdullah emphasized the desire for friendship among the people of Pakistan, while cautioning that the current political hierarchy does not share this sentiment.

“There is tension, but I cannot say whether it is a final option or not,” Abdullah remarked when asked about the possibility of war between the two nations. He stressed that the decision lies with the rulers of both countries. Abdullah stated, “I do not think the relations between India and Pakistan will ever improve unless the army goes. People of Pakistan want friendship with India — people, but not the hierarchy there.”

He expressed hope that peace could be achieved once a government representing the will of the people is established in Pakistan. “When the peoples’ government will come, I am sure there will be peace between India and Pakistan,” he added.

Abdullah criticized the Pakistani leadership for opting for confrontation with India instead of focusing on the welfare of their citizens. “Rather than working for the betterment of the country, its people, and to improve the situation, the rulers of the country have chosen confrontation with India to escape their responsibilities,” he stated. He warned of the dire consequences of a potential war, noting, “The consequences will be dangerous if there is a war as both have nuclear power. If they use that, then only God knows what will happen.”

Reflecting on the current situation in Kashmir, Abdullah remarked, “Kashmir is passing through a difficult time,” and expressed uncertainty about the future. He noted that both countries appear to be preparing for conflict, saying, “Efforts are being made across the globe that this (war) should not happen and some way is found to nab those behind the attack as well as their masterminds. How much will the world succeed in stopping this, only God knows.”

When questioned about the deportation of Pakistani nationals, Abdullah condemned the action as “against humanity.” He stated, “On humanitarian grounds, I can say that this action is not good and is against humanity. They have been living here for 70 years or 25 years or 5 years; they were here, their children were here, studying here. They have not hurt India. In fact, they have accepted India. So, this will not have good consequences.”

Addressing the Centre’s announcement of a caste census, Abdullah expressed support for the initiative, stating, “There is nothing wrong in that. People were demanding it from Day 1; it is not a new thing.” He highlighted the importance of understanding the demographic composition of the country, saying, “For the first time, we will come to know how many people are Brahmin, how many are lower caste, and how many are Muslims, Sikhs, or Christians or others. Let us come to know. There is nothing wrong in that.”

In response to concerns about the harassment of Jammu and Kashmir residents outside the Union territory, Abdullah acknowledged the existence of such issues but urged people not to fear. “Not only the government here, but the other governments also are seeing to it that it does not happen,” he said. He added, “There are people in our country that say things like that or do something like that. They are not concerned about what will happen in the country; they have a habit of harassing people.”

Abdullah concluded with a historical reference, stating, “Was (Nathuram) Godse not from here (India) who killed Mahatma Gandhi? Such people are there, such people will be there, and we should not fear them.”