Omar’s love for Pakistan reflects NC’s old politics: Bali Bhagat
DH NEWS SERVICE
jammu, Jul 3
Senior BJP leader and former minister Bali Bhagat on Friday strongly criticised Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah over his repeated calls for the resumption of dialogue with Pakistan, alleging that such statements undermine India’s firm stand against terrorism. Addressing the media, Bhagat said the National Conference leader’s repeated advocacy for talks with Pakistan reflects misplaced priorities at a time when cross-border terrorism continues to pose a serious challenge to national security.
Bhagat said it is disappointing that while Pakistan continues to support cross-border terrorism, facilitate infiltration and encourage activities aimed at disturbing peace in Jammu and Kashmir, the Chief Minister has repeatedly raised the issue of reviving bilateral dialogue. According to him, any discussion on engagement with Pakistan should be considered only after the neighbouring country demonstrates concrete and verifiable action against terrorism. The BJP leader asserted that India has consistently extended peace initiatives in the past, but those efforts have repeatedly been met with acts of violence and terrorist attacks. Referring to previous experiences, he said that Pakistan has failed to create an atmosphere conducive to meaningful dialogue because of its continued support for terror groups operating against India. He maintained that there can be no productive negotiations while terrorism remains an instrument of state policy.
Bhagat stated that the people of Jammu and Kashmir have suffered the most due to decades of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. Thousands of innocent civilians, members of the security forces and public representatives have lost their lives in terrorist violence over the years. In such circumstances, he said, advocating talks without insisting on decisive action against terrorism sends an inappropriate message and overlooks the sacrifices made by those who have fought to safeguard the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Taking a direct swipe at Omar Abdullah, the former minister alleged that the Chief Minister appears more inclined to promote discussions on engagement with Pakistan than to strongly condemn what he described as Pakistan’s continued support for terrorism. He said political leaders should remain focused on issues that directly affect the welfare and security of the people rather than making statements that could weaken India’s position on matters related to national security.
Bhagat reiterated that the Government of India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has adopted a clear and consistent policy that terrorism and dialogue cannot proceed simultaneously. He said India has always favoured peaceful relations with neighbouring countries, but lasting peace can only be achieved when terrorism is eliminated and countries refrain from supporting violent activities across borders. According to him, national security and the safety of citizens must remain the foremost priority in all diplomatic engagements.
The BJP leader also urged Omar Abdullah to concentrate on governance and developmental issues concerning Jammu and Kashmir. He said the people expect their elected government to focus on improving infrastructure, strengthening public services, generating employment opportunities and accelerating economic growth rather than raising issues related to engagement with Pakistan. He maintained that addressing the aspirations of the people and ensuring effective governance should be the primary responsibility of the state leadership.
Bhagat further claimed that the people of Jammu and Kashmir have consistently demonstrated their commitment to India’s unity and integrity and have rejected terrorism in all its forms. He said citizens want lasting peace, stability and development, which can only be achieved through strong action against terrorism and continued progress in governance.
Concluding his remarks, Bali Bhagat appealed to the Chief Minister to refrain from advocating positions that, in his view, could be interpreted as favouring Pakistan without meaningful action against terrorism. He reiterated that the nation remains united in its fight against terrorism and expressed confidence that India’s security interests would continue to guide the country’s approach towards relations with Pakistan.
