The consequences of war will be disastrous, says Farooq Abdullah

Farooq Abdullah.
| Photo Credit: PTI

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah on Thursday (May 1, 2025) expressed concern over India and Pakistan “preparing for a battleground” following the Pahalgam terror attack that left 26 civilians dead.

Dr. Abdullah described Pakistan as “a failed state”. “Instead of improving its own situation, it has taken this route. In case there is a war, the consequences will be disastrous. Both [India and Pakistan] are nuclear countries. It’s a tense situation,” the NC leader said. 

“Unless the Pakistani Army goes, there will be no peace,” Dr. Abdullah said, adding, “People want peace and an elected government in Pakistan can help in that.”  

He accused Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir of “provocative rhetoric”. “Such statements only escalate tensions. Even if there is a war, it will eventually lead to talks. But what those talks achieve, only God knows,” Dr. Abdullah said.

He said Jammu and Kashmir was going through a tough time. “We don’t know what is going to happen tomorrow. Both the countries are preparing for a battleground. Efforts are on globally that it (war) should not happen and the situation defuses, and those involved and behind [the Pahalgam attack] are arrested. How much will the world succeed, only Allah knows,” Dr. Abdullah said. 

The NC leader also criticised the move to repatriate people who had been living in J&K for decades. “These people never harmed India and instead accepted this country. It’s sad to see such people being expelled after living for even 70 years in J&K. It’s inhumane,” Dr. Abdullah said.