Mustafa Kamal, a senior leader of the National Conference (NC) and brother of former Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah, has stirred controversy by advocating for dialogue between India and Pakistan regarding the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. Kamal, on Thursday, February 8, criticized India’s reluctance to engage in meaningful discussions with Pakistan, alleging that India consistently avoids dialogue. According to Kamal, Pakistan is a key stakeholder in the Jammu and Kashmir issue, and India should initiate dialogue with Islamabad to address the longstanding dispute. He emphasized the importance of India sitting down with Pakistan to resolve the issue, stating, “India always looks for reasons not to talk to Pakistan.”
This call for dialogue echoes similar sentiments expressed by Farooq Abdullah, who in December last year also urged India to engage in talks with Pakistan. Farooq Abdullah warned of dire consequences if a solution is not sought through dialogue, drawing parallels with the ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Palestine. However, the Indian government has maintained a steadfast stance on bilateral talks with Pakistan, insisting that dialogue can only occur in an environment free from terrorism and cross-border violence.