Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) president Farooq Abdullah has condemned the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, attributing the incident to serious security and intelligence lapses, as well as Pakistan’s continuing efforts to destabilise the region.

Speaking to the media, Abdullah criticised both Pakistan’s propaganda machinery and provocative statements by Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir regarding the two-nation theory. He also voiced support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's response to the attack.

“There is no doubt that this attack involved failures in both security and intelligence,” said Abdullah. “Pakistan has never liked the peace we’ve built here. They spread propaganda, even among our own people, and then resorted to violence in Pahalgam. But they didn’t consider how this would impact Muslims in India, where a narrative of hatred and attacks on mosques has already been building for the past decade.”

He referred to General Munir’s remarks on the two-nation theory as incitement, warning that such rhetoric could escalate into open conflict. “If war happens, it will end up at the negotiation table—but only Allah knows what will happen then,” he added.

Abdullah also used the occasion to reiterate his opposition to the proposed Waqf Bill, stating: “We firmly oppose the Waqf Bill and expect justice from the Supreme Court. These kinds of actions only fuel further division and hatred. For the last 30 to 35 years, it is the people of Kashmir who have paid the price.”

Describing the Pahalgam attack as “deeply painful,” Abdullah said such incidents only serve to increase communal tensions. “Those who aim to spread hatred must be asked what they are gaining from it. We are always caught in the middle,” he said.

The JKNC leader had earlier extended his full support to the Centre, urging the Prime Minister to take all necessary steps in response to the Pahalgam killings.

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a high-level meeting with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan, the three service chiefs, and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. The meeting followed the Cabinet Committee on Security’s deliberations on April 23 after the attack, which claimed the lives of 26 people, including 25 tourists.