National Conference (NC) president and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah on Thursday, 12 November declared that terrorism will never succeed in the union territory, and directly urged Pakistan to abandon its support for militancy. His remarks came in Srinagar in the immediate aftermath of two separate terror attacks — one in Kulgam and another in Kishtwar — that occurred within a 24-hour window.

Abdullah's Warning After Back-to-Back Attacks

Speaking to reporters, Abdullah was unequivocal: 'Terrorism will never succeed in Kashmir and those thinking they can grab Kashmir through terror are mistaken.' He also took aim at political voices in Delhi who claim terrorism has been fully extinguished, saying they must be reminded that the threat persists and that credible steps to end it are still needed.

Reacting specifically to the Kishtwar attack, in which two Special Police Officers (SPOs) were killed and their weapons stolen, Abdullah said such incidents continue to occur with unpredictable frequency. 'No one knows where the next attack will happen,' he said, underscoring the volatile security environment.

On the Post-Article 370 Claims of Normalcy

Abdullah pushed back against the narrative of complete normalcy following the abrogation of Article 370, acknowledging that terrorism still exists even as he urged residents not to live in fear. He was firm, however, that Jammu and Kashmir remains an inseparable part of India. 'Kashmir was, is, and will remain a part of India. They can do whatever they have to do,' he said.

He invoked the Tribal Invasion of 1947, recounting atrocities committed during that period — including the killing of a doctor, his wife, and a nurse at a Christian-run hospital — to remind Pakistan of the historical consequences of sponsoring violence.

Abdullah's Call for Dialogue Over Conflict

Drawing on global conflicts, the veteran leader pointed to the Iran-US and Ukraine-Russia wars as examples of how armed hostility ultimately leads to negotiated settlements. 'I always tell Pakistan to stop terrorism. Nothing will come out of this. Adopt the path of dialogue, through which a way out can be found. We were both parts of one country once,' he said.

He also referenced post-World War II Europe — noting how a continent devastated under Hitler rebuilt itself into an integrated bloc with a single currency and shared vision — as a model for regional reconciliation. Abdullah called for the revival of SAARC, which he credited to Indira Gandhi, so that South Asian nations could collectively address disputes. 'But bullets and talks cannot go together,' he added.

Security Situation on the Ground

The two attacks that prompted Abdullah's remarks have triggered a widespread security response across Jammu and Kashmir. In the Kulgam district attack, three CRPF troopers were injured; in Kishtwar, two SPOs were killed and their weapons seized. A general security alert has been sounded across the union territory, with special checkposts and barricades erected for vehicle searches and personnel checks. Massive search operations are ongoing in Kulgam to track down the two terrorists responsible for the Wednesday attack.

The twin incidents raise pointed questions about ground-level security coordination, particularly ahead of the winter months when high-altitude routes become operational challenges. All eyes are now on how security agencies respond — and whether Abdullah's call for dialogue gains any traction in New Delhi or Islamabad.