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Pak must rein in `Jehadi’ forces for forward movement: Farooq
KT NEWS SERVICE. Dated: 9/9/2013 11:04:57 PM
JAMMU, Sept 9: National Conference (NC) president and Union Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah Monday said any move forward between India and Pakistan vis-à-vis Kashmir issue was difficult till the latter (Pakistan) did not rein in `Jehadi’ forces in its territory.
He was talking to media on the sidelines of a function in Jammu University.
Farooq said, “Pakistan should try and control 'Jehadi' forces in its own territory and unless that is done the move forward is very difficult.”
He stated that no problem between India and Pakistan could be solved without dialogue. “Dialogue is essential but then Pakistan must also try and see that the violations do not take place and its territory is not used by terrorists to create tragedies for India. As long as terrorists are there, dialogue has hardly any meaning and that creates a misunderstanding,” he added.
Confronted with queries pertaining to Zubin Mehta concert controversy, Union Minister said the maestro did a good job but he (Farooq) was sad that the people opposed him.
“Zubin did a great job. It was a great opportunity to show how Kashmiris enjoyed music. But I feel sad that the people opposed him,” he added.
Commenting on the recent statement of the Prime Minister Dr Man Mohan Singh that he was ready to work under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi, Farooq said, “I hope Rahul will take over the responsibility as quickly as possible and guide this country forward.”
In response to queries pertaining to the communal violence in Muzaffarnagar area of Uttar Pradesh, he expressed concern over the developments saying, “I am very sad as to what has happened in Muzaffarnagar. All of us must be careful as elections are approaching. Some parties will try and create communal tensions and we should fight those parties strongly. India is a diverse country and that diversity has to be protected.”
He appealed to the people to maintain communal harmony stating, “Therefore, I appeal to all the people to maintain communal harmony so that India can move forward.”
On the question of possible US strike on Syria, Farooq said, “We do not want war. We do not want conflict. There is no need to use methods of violence for solving the matters. It is better to hold dialogue rather than train guns.”