‘Dialogue with Pak only way to end terrorism in J&K’

Srinagar: Terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir will not end unless talks are held with Pakistan, National Conference president Farooq Abdullah said here on Wednesday.

Abdullah’s remarks came after three terrorist attacks took place in Jammu in as many days. On Sunday, terrorists attacked a bus carrying pilgrims, causing it to veer off the road and fall into a deep gorge in Reasi, killing nine and injuring 41. Two days later, terrorists attacked a joint checkpost in Doda, injuring six security personnel.

In another incident late on Tuesday, a suspected Pakistani terrorist was killed by security forces in Kathua district. The overnight encounter ended after a second terrorist was also gunned down on Wednesday but a CRPF jawan lost his life in the operation.

The NC chief told reporters here on Wednesday, “I have always said that terrorism is not going to end unless there is an understanding between the two nations (India and Pakistan). Terrorism will continue and we will have to face it. The tragedy is that innocent people are getting killed... and that is unfortunate.”

More innocent people would lose their lives unless “we wake up” and “find a solution to this”, he said.