Farooq Abdullah backs RSS leader Hosabale on dialogue with Pakistan

Srinagar, May 14 (PTI) National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah on Thursday backed RSS general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale's remarks advocating dialogue with Pakistan, saying war is not an option.

Abdullah also said the time is right to act on the advice and start talking to the neighbouring country.

Speaking to reporters here, Abdullah, a three-time former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, also welcomed former Army chief M M Naravane backing Hosabale.

"It is a very big move that the RSS leader has said that there should be talks with Pakistan and the ex-Army chief has also backed his statement. 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," he said.

In an interview with PTI Videos on Tuesday, Hosabale said people-to-people contact is key to breaking the deadlock with Pakistan and there should always be a window for dialogue.

Pakistan's military and political leadership have lost India's confidence, and it is time for the civil society to lead the way, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader said.

Later in the day, speaking to reporters in south Kashmir's Anantnag district, Abdullah said the time is right for acting upon the advice and start talking to Pakistan.

"I think it is the right time for the government of India to think about it and act upon this advice. When I used to say this, I was called a terrorist and an enemy of India. Thank god, today I have not heard any BJP leader speaking against it. This is a very good opportunity and issues can be resolved through talks and not wars," he said.

Responding to the ongoing BRICS Summit in New Delhi, Abdullah expressed hope that the grouping would help push for peace in the Middle East. He also welcomed United States President Donald Trump's visit to China.

Asked about his comments on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several Union ministers downsizing their cavalcades as part of austerity measures, Abdullah said such steps are necessary to tackle the ongoing fuel crisis.

"I think it is very good. It shows that we are short of fuel and obviously, there is a shortage. I hope everybody will reduce the size of their cavalcade," he said. PTI SSB RC