Indo-Pak problem can be solved only through dialogue: Abdullah

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah today said the problem between India and Pakistan can be solved only through dialogue and urged New Delhi to take the initiative for it.
His remarks came a day after four Indian soldiers were killed in heavy Pakistani shelling.
The National Conference chief also rued the loss of lives on both sides of the border.
"People are dying, soldiers are dying on both sides. Till what time will this go on?" he said.
"The solution can be found only in dialogue. You will have to find out ways to ensure that the shelling stops and India and Pakistan live in friendship and that we are saved," Abdullah told reporters after an event here.

On the talk about giving a befitting reply following the death of the Army personnel yesterday, Abdullah pitched for harmony and said that only the poor from both sides of the border would die in the event of a battle between the two countries.
Asked about who should take the initiative for a dialogue between the two neighbours, the former Union minister said, "India is a bigger country. India should talk about it."
A young Army Captain and three jawans were killed and at least four people suffered injuries in heavy Pakistani shelling along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch and Rajouri districts of Jammu and Kashmir yesterday.