Jammu: National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Tuesday asserted that Ladakh will sooner or later become a part of Jammu and Kashmir again, stating that people in the region are now repenting the decision taken in 2019.
Talking to reporters in Jammu, Abdullah said the formation of the Union Territory of Ladakh has led to widespread dissatisfaction among its people, who, according to him, are now expressing their desire to be reintegrated with Jammu and Kashmir. He said voices from Ladakh are increasingly saying that they want to be part of Jammu and Kashmir once again.
Commenting on demands for separate statehood for Jammu, Abdullah said those raising such demands lack insight and understanding of the ground realities. He cautioned that dividing regions on political lines would only weaken the overall fabric of Jammu and Kashmir.
Responding to PDP president Mehbooba Mufti demanding more districts in Chenab Valley and Pir Panjal, Abdullah outrightly rejected the proposal, stating that there are already enough districts in Jammu and Kashmir. He alleged that some people are attempting to revive ideas similar to the Dixon Plan to divide the region, which he said would never be acceptable.
On relations with neighbouring countries, Abdullah said neighbours cannot be changed and blamed what he termed as Pakistan phobia for many of the prevailing problems in the region.
Reacting to Mehbooba Mufti’s remarks on unemployment, Abdullah questioned her own tenure as chief minister, asking what concrete steps she had taken to address joblessness when she was in power.
On international affairs, Abdullah, responding to a question about former US President Donald Trump reportedly inviting Prime Minister Narendra Modi for talks related to a Gaza peace plan, said India and Trump share close relations. He expressed hope that the bitterness which has arisen at the global level will eventually subside. [KNT]
