Batting strongly for friendly relations between India and Pakistan, former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abdullah said on Sunday that sustained and meaningful dialogue between the two countries was imperative for lasting peace in the region.
He said it was especially important for better living conditions of border dwellers in both the countries, recalling damage caused to life and property in villages along the LoC and IB due to shelling across the border over a year ago.
“Border people will be immediate beneficiaries of normalisation of relations between the two neighbours. A sustained and meaningful dialogue between India and Pakistan is imperative for lasting peace in the region,” Abdullah said while addressing party workers at the border town of Sunderbani in Rajouri district on Sunday.
He said people living in border areas have been braving brunt of hostilities, and pitched for working towards “bringing cheer in their lives” by fostering good relations. He hoped Pakistan would respond positively and help in creating congenial atmosphere for taking forward the peace process.
He said the two countries have “no option but to talk” in the larger interest of peace and freeing the people from shackles of hatred and mistrust. “Peace and friendly relations between India and Pakistan will enhance the quality of life of millions, who have paid dearly due to decades-long suspicion and hostilities,” he said.
{{/usCountry}}He said the two countries have “no option but to talk” in the larger interest of peace and freeing the people from shackles of hatred and mistrust. “Peace and friendly relations between India and Pakistan will enhance the quality of life of millions, who have paid dearly due to decades-long suspicion and hostilities,” he said.
{{/usCountry}}The National Conference President said peace and normalcy in the region will remain a distant dream as long as the two neighbours won’t sort out issues in friendly atmosphere.