In the aftermath of a tragic terror attack in Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President Farooq Abdullah has issued a stern statement affirming that Kashmir will never become part of Pakistan. Abdullah, who has witnessed decades of turmoil in the region, emphasized that continued acts of terrorism only deepen the tragedy for innocent civilians and serve no purpose other than to destabilize the area.
A Plea for Peace Amid Escalating Terror Attacks
The recent attack, which took place on October 24 in the Botapathri area near Gulmarg, saw terrorists open fire on an army convoy, resulting in the deaths of three soldiers and two civilian porters. Abdullah condemned the incident and questioned the motives behind such attacks, calling on Pakistan to cease its support for militancy in Kashmir.
“Innocent people are being killed, and we will never become a part of Pakistan. So why are they doing this? Is it to ruin our future?” Abdullah questioned, reiterating that peace and development should be the ultimate goals for the region.
A 30-Year Perspective on Violence in Kashmir
Abdullah, who has been a witness to Kashmir’s decades-long conflict, noted that such attacks are not new. Over the past two weeks alone, terror attacks in the Valley have claimed 20 lives, including civilians, workers, and members of the armed forces. Abdullah shared his frustrations about the lack of a lasting solution to the violence, stressing that without dialogue and mutual understanding, the cycle of bloodshed will continue.
“Khud barbaad ho rahe hain aur hume bhi saath barbaad kar rahe hain (Pakistan is destroying itself and dragging us down as well),” Abdullah added, calling on Pakistan to prioritize its internal development rather than interfering in Kashmir’s future. He urged Pakistan to adopt a path of friendship, warning that continued hostility would only make matters more difficult for them.
The Attack at Gulmarg: A Tragic Loss of Life
The latest incident occurred in Botapathri, approximately six kilometers from the popular tourist destination of Gulmarg. Terrorists opened fire on two army trucks carrying personnel from the Rashtriya Rifles unit and civilian porters en route to the Nagin post in the Afrawat range. The attack has intensified security concerns in the region and underlined the need for heightened vigilance in Jammu and Kashmir.
This incident comes shortly after another brutal attack on October 20, where terrorists killed seven individuals at a construction site in Ganderbal district, Central Kashmir. The victims included a doctor from Budgam and six laborers from outside the Valley, marking one of the deadliest assaults on civilians in recent months.
Farooq Abdullah’s Call for Dialogue and End to Hostilities
Abdullah’s message to Pakistan is clear: the people of Jammu and Kashmir desire peace and stability, not violence and uncertainty. He emphasized that any lasting solution to the Kashmir issue must come through dialogue and a willingness to end hostilities. Abdullah’s plea for Pakistan to focus on its development rather than disrupt Kashmir reflects a hope for progress that has long been desired by the residents of the region.
The National Conference leader also highlighted the futility of terror tactics that disrupt lives and strain bilateral relations, calling on both sides to foster trust and mutual respect to create a peaceful future for Jammu and Kashmir.
A Path to Peace and Stability
The Gulmarg terror attack has once again underscored the tragic toll of violence in Kashmir. Farooq Abdullah’s stance serves as a call to action, urging Pakistan to abandon its support for militancy and pursue a peaceful path. As the region grapples with rising security challenges, Abdullah’s words resonate with a desire for a peaceful, stable Kashmir, where innocent lives are no longer lost to terror.