National Conference president Farooq Abdullah faced criticism from the BJP for drawing an analogy between the situation in Kashmir and Gaza. Addressing the Poonch civilian deaths case, he advocated for talks with Pakistan, warning that without dialogue, the region could face a situation similar to that of Palestinians in Gaza.

Speaking to reporters, the Srinagar MP referred to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s statement on India-Pakistan relations that “We can change our friends but not our neighbours”.

The BJP objected to Abdullah’s comparison. Senior BJP leader Dr Hina Shafi Bhat criticised the veteran leader’s remarks, expressing regret that a senior leader from Jammu and Kashmir is still talking about talks with Pakistan. “Farooq saab should learn now; this regime is not going to bow down before Pakistan. We tried, they have backstabbed us again and again.”

In response to a question on whether India should hold talks with Pakistan, Abdullah referred to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s famous statement that “we can change friends but we cannot change neighbours”. “If we live in friendship with neighbours, we will both prosper, but if we live in enmity, then we cannot progress rapidly. Modiji also has said war is not an option now, and issues have to be resolved through dialogue. Where is that dialogue?” He added, “Leave aside Imran Khan. Now Nawaz Sharief is going to be the PM of Pakistan and he has been saying at the top of his voice that they are ready for talks. Why are we not talking?”