NC’s Farooq Abdullah backs Hosabale and Naravane’s stand on talks with Pakistan

National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah on Thursday (May 14, 2026), while referring to statements of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale and former Army Chief M.M. Naravane, said dialogue between India and Pakistan was the only way to resolve issues.

“The RSS leader and ex-Army chief have advocated talks with Pakistan. It is a very big move. I am glad that somebody is now thinking that war is not an option. It is the question of dialogue, which we must always have to solve our problems,” said Mr. Abdullah.

Mr. Abdullah was commenting on the statements of Mr. Hosabale and Mr. Naravane, where they, in two separate statements, stressed on “keeping the window of dialogue with Pakistan open”.

“Dialogue between India and Pakistan was the only way to resolve issues. Both sides should respond positively to efforts aimed at peace,” said Dr. Abdullah.

On the ongoing BRICS conclave in New Delhi, Mr. Abdullah said, “I hope the bloc will exert pressure to help ensure peace in the Middle East. The American President is currently in China, and I hope China will also play its part in bringing peace,” he added.

Earlier, former J&K Chief Minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti had welcomed Mr. Hosabale’s remarks and backed engagement with Pakistan. “Situation in Kashmir could improve and a permanent peace return if the two countries engage with each other,” said Ms. Mufti.

Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari, while referring to Mr. Hosabale’s and Mr. Naravane’s stand on talks, said, “While the government of India may or may not engage in talks with the neighbouring country, it is far more important to initiate dialogue with its own people in J&K so that the issues and hardships they continue to face can be effectively addressed.”

Mr. Bukhari, there should not be an iota of doubt that the Centre urgently needs to talk to the people of J&K “to address their genuine concerns and long-pending grievances”.

“I am saying this again and again because I clearly see growing restlessness among the people, especially our youth. A large number of young people are unable to obtain passports, preventing them from seeking better livelihood opportunities abroad. Our agriculture, horticulture, tourism, and industrial sectors—the backbone of our economy—are facing grave challenges that must be addressed urgently,” he added.