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Resolution in Parliament against Pak will serve no purpose: Abdullah

Says doors for talks with Pakistan should not be closed

Farooq Abdullah

Press Trust of India New Delhi
Union Minister Farooq Abdullah today said passing a resolution in Parliament against the one in Pakistan's National Assembly on ceasefire violations along the LoC will serve no purpose and would rather strengthen the "enemies" of India across the border.

He said the doors for talks with Pakistan should not be closed.

"Bringing a resolution in Parliament will not serve any purpose, rather it would strengthen the hands of the enemies sitting across the border," Abdullah, who is also National Conference chief, told reporters outside Parliament.

Pakistan's National Assembly yesterday passed a resolution accusing Indian troops of "unprovoked aggression" on the LoC and extending support to the "struggle" of the Kashmiri people.
 

Abdullah asserted that talks between India and Pakistan should continue. "Otherwise, it will strengthen the hands of terrorists. If you want to strengthen their hands, then don't talk."

"We have a problem with Pakistan and you cannot settle that problem by war. So how do you settle it? By talk. You have to find conditions to talk," Abdullah said.

"Why do you want to close (the doors for talks)? I ask the media why does it want to close the doors of talking?" he asked.

"Pakistan has its own problem. India has its own problem. We are not ready to give up Kashmir. They are also not ready to give up Kashmir. So how do you find solution? The only way you can find a solution is by talking," Abdullah said.

"I am saying to the government and people of India that we have to find ways and means of talking to Pakistan. Without talking, we are not going to solve our problems. I have nothing to do with the resolution of the House. I am talking as an Indian," the Minister said.

He insisted that there has to be a solution, which can be found only by dialogue.

"Whether today, tomorrow or after one year, you have to talk," Abdullah said.

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First Published: Aug 14 2013 | 3:45 PM IST

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