Abdullah says welcomes Pak's 'positive approach' to improve ties with India

National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Wednesday welcomed the "positive approach" of Pakistan's leadership on resolving long-pending issues with India, saying it has rekindled the hope that the two countries can live with trust and friendship.

"I foresee a time when my colleagues, friends and family members move around without security. It is perhaps for that day, God has kept me going," Abdullah said at the annual day celebrations of Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences in Srinagar.

His comments come two days after Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, who completed 100 days as premier last week, said his government enjoys unwavering support of the armed forces, an influential player in the country's politics, particulary on matters of foreign policy.

Last week, Khan said his government, the army and all political parties in Pakistan are on the same page on improving ties with India. He, however, did not mention cross-border terrorism which India has stressed is as a stumbling block in resuming talks between the two sides.

India and Pakistan last month laid the foundation stones, on their respective sides, to open a corridor to facilitate Sikh pilgrims in visiting gurdwaras on either side. It signalled a possible move to mend ties that had nosedived over terrorist attacks in India by Pakistan-based groups.

"I wish that day comes when the two neighbouring countries of India and Pakistan live in camaraderie," Abdullah, a former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, said.

He said Khan's avowals on India-Pakistan bonhomie has rekindled the hope that a day will come when the people of Jammu and Kashmir will live in a peaceful atmosphere.

Abdullah asserted that only democratically elected governments will advance the cause of development and will work for the socio-economic emancipation of the underprivileged.

"I look forward to elections for the state assembly at an earliest. Only a popular government can mitigate the mounting woes of people. And it is the duty of people to elect honest people to the legislature," he said.

Expressing his dismay over the attack on the secular visage of India, the NC president said "many powers that are inimical to the secular character of India are making bigoted attempts to polarize people on religious lines to garner support. This, I believe, is dangerous for a country like India which belongs to all."