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Farooq Abdullah Welcomes RSS Leader's Pakistan Talks Call, Then Takes a Jibe
Farooq Abdullah welcomed RSS leader Dattatreya Hosabale's call for talks with Pakistan, while taking a jibe at the BJP for branding him a terrorist for seeking dialogue. He said it is the right time for talks, noting that wars cannot solve problems and highlighting support from former Army chief Naravane; Mehbooba Mufti and other Kashmiri leaders echoed a similar sentiment.
Why It Matters
The development signals a potential shift in how India and Kashmir politics approach dialogue with Pakistan, with backing from RSS and a former Army chief potentially influencing national policy and regional stability.
Timeline
8 Events
RSS described as BJP's ideological mentor
May 14, 2026
The article states that the RSS, which has advocated dialogues with Pakistan, is the ideological mentor of the BJP.
Context of Kashmiri leaders' vindication and BJP stance
May 14, 2026
The article notes a sense of vindication among Kashmiri leaders after top RSS leaders called for dialogue, describing the absence of BJP opposition to a call for talks with Pakistan as a notable shift in recent years.
Kargil-based leader emphasizes humanitarian cross-border ties
May 14, 2026
Sajad Kargili, leader of Kargil Democratic Alliance, urged authorities to consider allowing divided families in Ladakh and Baltistan to meet on humanitarian grounds, noting border-region hardships and the potential for trust-building.
Mehbooba Mufti endorses open dialogue window
May 14, 2026
PDP president Mehbooba Mufti said the RSS leader's statement vindicates her party's stance that the window of dialogue must remain open to bring peace in Jammu and Kashmir.
Naravane backs pro-talks remark
May 14, 2026
Former Army chief General MM Naravane (retired) supported the pro-talks remark, stating that friendship between the two sides can lead to better bilateral relations.
Abdullah calls it the right time for dialogue
May 14, 2026
He said the RSS leader's statement provides an opportunity for the Government of India to start a dialogue with Pakistan and called it the best opportunity, arguing that wars do not solve problems.
Abdullah references past branding over dialogue
May 14, 2026
Abdullah recalled that when he asked for dialogue in the past, he was branded a terrorist and an enemy of India, and he stated that no BJP leader spoke against it on this occasion.
Abdullah welcomes RSS leader's call for talks with Pakistan
May 14, 2026
National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah welcomed RSS leader Dattatreya Hosabale's call for talks with Pakistan, describing it as an opportunity and noting a jab at the BJP for branding him a terrorist and anti-national when he sought dialogue.