Srinagar: National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Friday commented on the ongoing violence in Jammu and Kashmir, linking it to the strained relationship between India and Pakistan. His remarks followed a tragic ambush in Gulmarg, where two soldiers and two Army porters were killed by terrorists on Thursday. Another soldier and a porter sustained injuries in the attack.

Call for Friendship Between India and Pakistan
"Such attacks will continue to take place in this state. You know where they come from, and it will not stop until some way is found to get out of this trouble. I have been witnessing it for the last 30 years; innocent people are getting killed," Abdullah told reporters.

He emphasised that Jammu and Kashmir would not become a part of Pakistan and questioned the motives behind such violence. "So, why are they doing this? To disrupt our future? To make us poorer?" he asked.

Criticism of Pakistan’s Actions
The former chief minister of the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir state urged Pakistan to address its own issues rather than instigating violence in the region. "They are getting ruined themselves but are ruining us as well," he stated.

Abdullah appealed to Pakistan to cease its violent actions and seek friendship with India, warning, "If they don't find a way, the future will be very difficult."

Tribute to the Fallen
In light of the tragic event, Abdullah paid tribute to the two porters and two soldiers killed. "I pay my tribute to those who have been martyred. I apologise to their families," he remarked.

Reflections on Recent Assembly Elections
When asked whether he believed Pakistan was frustrated by the high voter turnout in the recent assembly elections, Abdullah expressed uncertainty about the situation. "People voted in the assembly polls, and now the assembly will work for the people. We hope the Centre grants full statehood so that the government is able to work for the people," he said.

Need for Coordination with the Centre
Regarding Chief Minister Omar Abdullah's recent meetings with the Prime Minister and Union ministers in Delhi, the senior Abdullah emphasised the importance of coordination with the Centre for the effective functioning of the Jammu and Kashmir government. "When I was the chief minister, I used to say this every time: coordination is a good thing because everything is with them," he concluded.

PTI inputs