Commenting on recent developments, including the repatriation of Pakistani nationals from India following the Pahalgam attack, Abdullah criticised the move as “inhumane.” He acknowledged serious lapses in security and intelligence but said collective punishment was not the answer.
“There is no doubt this was a lapse on the part of our security setup,” he said. “Pakistan could not tolerate our peace and progress. They spread propaganda and resorted to violence. But in doing so, they failed to consider the impact on Muslims in India, who are already under pressure.”
He referred to what he called a continuing narrative of marginalisation and violence against Indian Muslims, including efforts to erase their identity. “For the last ten years, there has been a campaign to wipe out Muslims, to burn mosques. We were already struggling with that.”
Abdullah also criticised recent remarks by Pakistan’s Army Chief, General Asim Munir, on the two-nation theory, stating that such comments only inflame tensions. “If a war happens, it will end up at the negotiation table. But what that table will deliver—only Allah knows,” he said.
He urged both countries to act responsibly, warning that war would bring serious consequences not only for soldiers but also for civilians on both sides of the border (KNT)