📅 Date: 03 July 2026 | Shopian : Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday renewed his appeal for the resumption of dialogue between India and Pakistan, asserting that peaceful engagement remains essential despite decades of strained relations. Addressing reporters in Shopian after chairing a district review meeting, the Chief Minister invoked former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s well-known statement, “Friends can be changed, but neighbours can’t,” to underline the importance of maintaining communication between neighbouring countries.
Omar Abdullah said there should be no objection to advocating peace and better bilateral relations, emphasizing that geography makes engagement between India and Pakistan unavoidable. He maintained that dialogue is the only sustainable path toward lasting peace and regional stability.
Responding to questions regarding a recent letter reportedly addressed to the Prime Minister seeking improved ties between the two nations, Omar said there was “nothing wrong” in calling for peaceful relations. At the same time, he acknowledged that cross-border tensions have persisted for several decades and became more severe following last year’s terror attack in Pahalgam.
The Chief Minister also alleged a “double standard” in the public reaction to calls for dialogue. He said that leaders from Jammu and Kashmir, including members of his party, are often criticised and labelled anti-national for advocating talks with Pakistan, while similar statements made by leaders associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) do not attract comparable criticism.
Referring to recent remarks by RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat supporting dialogue between India and Pakistan, Omar questioned why such statements were accepted without controversy while similar views expressed by leaders from Jammu and Kashmir generated political backlash. He reiterated that his party’s position on dialogue has remained consistent for decades and should not be viewed through a political lens.
According to the Chief Minister, lasting peace, stability, and improved relations can only be achieved through communication and constructive engagement. He stressed that continued dialogue serves the interests of both countries and contributes to regional stability.
During his interaction with the media, Omar Abdullah also addressed concerns regarding the sale of pesticides with misleading labels. He alleged that certain traders were using deceptive packaging, including multiple barcodes carrying different manufacturing information, and assured that strict action would be taken against those found violating regulations.
Earlier in the day, the Chief Minister reviewed the progress of ongoing development projects in Shopian during a district review meeting. He said the administration was working to accelerate developmental schemes already underway and expressed satisfaction with the performance of district officials after assessing the implementation of various projects on the ground.
