Srinagar: Opposition National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Monday called for sustained dialogue between Indian and Pakistan to seek permanent peace and development in the subcontinent, saying hostility and conflicts make problems more complex.
"Resolving all outstanding issues across the table in an amicable atmosphere is only way forward. History is witness to the fact that nothing tangible has been achieved through the guns or the wars but only by means of peaceful negotiations and talks across the table. Resolution of issues through peaceful means is the right and appropriate strategy to move ahead and achieve the results," Abdullah said.
Abdullah, the former chief minister, was interacting with various public representatives and NC workers who called on him here.
The NC president said Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed a long saga of instability, bloodshed and retrogress due to the political imbroglio, wars, border tensions, militancy and hostility between the two neighbours.
"Disturbance in peace and tranquility besides political uncertainty has inflicted great loss to the state's all-round development. Besides economic losses, the education, employment and security sectors received serious jolts," he said.
Abdullah said NC has always stood for peaceful and amicable settlement of issues between India and Pakistan and has constantly worked for the dialogue between the two countries.
"NC would continue to work in this direction for the larger interests of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. I appeal India and Pakistan to recognize ground realities and move closer to talks to sort out all outstanding issues," he said.
He said NC represents the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and firmly stands for the peace, prosperity and unity of the three regions of the State.
"We will continue to uphold this basic principle of its political agenda. The NC workers should devote fullest attention towards mitigating difficulties of people and make public service the benchmark in their political activities," Abdullah said.
