Karachi, Farooq Abdullah, President of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference, has become a trending topic on social media platform X following his statement advocating for dialogue between India and Pakistan to resolve the Kashmir dispute. His remarks have ignited a flurry of reactions, ranging from criticism to ridicule, as he compared the situation in Kashmir to that of Gaza.

According to Kashmir Media Service, Abdullah’s clips, in which he stresses the importance of talks with Pakistan, have been widely circulated and reported by the British news agency BBC. In one such clip, he criticizes the abrogation of Article 370, which provided special constitutional status to Kashmir, and comments on the persisting issue of militancy in the region. Abdullah argues that militancy has not ended and urges the Modi government to engage in dialogue with Pakistan as a means to find a solution.

His statement has elicited varied responses. BJP leader Hina Shafi Butt has condemned Abdullah’s comparison of Kashmir with Gaza and Palestine as reflective of his negative thinking. Meanwhile, Indian defense expert Sushant Sareen criticized Abdullah’s stance, suggesting a need for a retirement age in politics and accusing him of playing a dangerous game by seemingly supporting Pakistan for personal gain.

The report also notes that many Indian social media users have challenged Abdullah’s fears regarding Kashmir becoming like Gaza, with some suggesting that he should move to Pakistan if he holds such concerns. These diverse reactions highlight the contentious nature of the Kashmir issue and the strong opinions it evokes in the political discourse.