If we can talk to China to resolve issues, why not with Pakistan: Farooq Abdullah

SRINAGAR — Former Union minister and Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah on Saturday said if we are holding talks with China for disengagement of troops on the LAC, we should also hold talks with Pakistan to resolve issues that are pending between the two countries.

Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Farooq Abdullah said, “Today, India is planning to hold talks with China for disengagement. We should also start talks with Pakistan to resolve pending issues.”

The National Conference (NC) president was speaking in Parliament for the first time since his release from detention.

“Border skirmishes have been rising and people are dying. A way has to be found to deal with this. Except for talks…As you are talking to China to attempt that it withdraws (from Ladakh border), we should also talk to our (other) neighbour to find a way to get out of this situation,” Abdullah said in his speech amid protests from treasury benches.

Farooq Abdullah also expressed his happiness at the findings of an Army inquiry into the killings of three men from Rajouri in Amshipora Shopian in an encounter.

“I am happy that the Army has admitted that three Rajouri men were killed mistakenly. I hope the government gives a hefty compensation,” he said.