Omar Backs Dialogue, Rao Demands End to Terror

Hyderabad, Telangana: Telangana BJP President Ramchander Rao on Friday said Pakistan must stop supporting cross-border terrorism before any meaningful dialogue with India can take place. He was responding to Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah's remarks backing talks between the two neighbouring countries.

Speaking to Media, Rao said India has consistently sought peaceful relations with its neighbours but alleged that Pakistan's continued support for terrorism has prevented lasting engagement.

"Abdullah's proposal, or his advice to hold talks with Pakistan, is nothing new. India has always wanted a friendly relationship with its neighbours. It was Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji who initiated the Lahore Bus Yatra. He also started the Samjhauta Express railway service, and several other initiatives were undertaken to improve relations with the neighbouring country," Rao said. He added that despite India's efforts, Pakistan had failed to change its approach.

"But unfortunately, Pakistan has not changed its approach, and cross-border terrorism continues to be encouraged by it. There is evidence to support this. Therefore, India has had to retaliate. India is not a warmongering country. It is not an imperialistic nation. India has never been interested in disturbing peace or interfering in the internal affairs of another country," he said.

Calling Pakistan a "terror-supporting nation," Rao said the international community should pressure Islamabad to dismantle the terror infrastructure operating from its soil.

"Pakistan is a terror-supporting nation... I believe the international community should prevail upon Pakistan to give up terrorism. There should be no terrorist activities or training camps operating from its territory. Only then, I believe, can meaningful talks take place. This is also what the people want," he said.

He further stated that while everyone desired peace, including political parties and organisations across the spectrum, peace could only be achieved if Pakistan stopped supporting terrorism.

"Whether it is Omar Abdullah, the RSS, or any other organisation, everyone ultimately wishes for peace in the region. No one wants war. However, for peace to prevail, Pakistan must be urged by the international community to end support for terrorism. Sanctions should be imposed if it continues to allow terrorist camps to operate within its borders," Rao added.

His remarks came a day after Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah supported calls for renewed dialogue between India and Pakistan, saying there should be no objection to advocating better ties between the neighbouring countries. Omar also referred to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's observation that while friends can be changed, neighbours cannot, and questioned why similar remarks by leaders from Jammu and Kashmir attract criticism while comparable statements by RSS leaders do not.