CM advocates Indo-Pak dialogue

Shopian, Jul 2: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday advocated dialogue between India and Pakistan, saying the two neighbouring countries should work towards resolving their differences through peaceful engagement and improving bilateral relations.
Speaking to reporters here after chairing a district review meeting, Abdullah, said there should be no objection to anyone appealing for better relations between India and Pakistan, stressing that peace and dialogue remain the only sustainable way forward.
He said tensions between the two countries are not new and have existed for decades, adding that the situation became more strained following last year’s Pahalgam incident.
Referring to a recent letter written to the Prime Minister urging improved India-Pakistan relations, the Chief Minister said such an appeal should not invite criticism. He questioned why similar statements made by leaders from Jammu and Kashmir often become controversial, while comparable remarks by senior leaders of the RSS do not attract the same reaction.
Recalling the vision of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Omar Abdullah quoted his famous observation that “friends can be changed, but neighbours cannot”, saying the objective should always be to foster better relations with neighbouring countries through dialogue and peaceful means.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister chaired a comprehensive review meeting in Shopian to assess the progress of developmental projects and public welfare initiatives in the district.
Speaking about the meeting, Abdullah said the administration reviewed the work carried out over the past year while identifying areas requiring greater attention.
He expressed satisfaction over the functioning of the district administration, stating that Shopian has a capable team of officers who are working sincerely to address public grievances and accelerate developmental activities.
Expressing serious concern over the sale of substandard pesticides in Kashmir, particularly in the apple-growing belt, the CM said those responsible would face strict legal action.
The use of inferior-quality pesticides has caused significant losses to the horticulture sector and adversely affected apple growers. The government, he added, is determined to ensure accountability and protect the interests of farmers.
CM Abdullah revealed that investigations had found instances where pesticide products carried two different expiry dates—one printed on the outer packaging and another visible upon scanning the product—describing it as a serious irregularity warranting stringent action.
He reiterated that the government would not spare anyone involved in the manufacture or sale of such fraudulent products, assuring orchardists that all necessary measures would be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future and safeguard Kashmir’s vital horticulture industry. (KNO)