Modi 3.0 to change foreign policy? Opposition bats for talks with Pakistan amid surge in terror attacks

Opposition leaders have called for a change in foreign policy amid a spate of terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir. Several prominent leaders called for dialogue with Pakistan while others lambasted the BJP-led Narendra Modi government for failing to solve the issue by abrogating Article 370. Numerous civilians as well as security personnel have been killed since Sunday as terrorists launched multiple attacks across the Valley. 

“Despite changing the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, the central government has not been able to decrease the terror activities. Even, Chinese activities are also increasing. I think the centre should rethink and discuss its foreign policies with its allies,” said AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj.

"I have always said that terrorism is not going to end unless there is an understanding between the two nations (India and Pakistan). Terrorism will continue and we will have to face it. The tragedy is that innocent people are getting killed... and that is unfortunate," added National Conference president Farooq Abdullah.

He also opined that the government in Pakistan wanted to “have a peaceful atmosphere” with India. The former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister insisted that the problems between the two countries would not be solved by military action. 

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"The terrorists are coming through borders, and they will continue coming. Whichever government will be there tomorrow, will have to face the same thing... We need to come out of these situations... We have a major Yatra coming (Amarnath Yatra). Any small incident that might take place in that will be blown up in the rest of the country. We Kashmiris are not responsible for these things…Let's open the door to them. And let us revive SAARC. SAARC was made for the good of this entire area," he said during an interview with ANI.

Meanwhile Uttar Pradesh Congress President Ajay Rai demanded strict action against those involved in the terror attacks. 

“When 370 was abrogated, they said that now everything will end... I consider that all these things done by the BJP are a show-off. Action should be taken against those who are involved in this cowardly act (terror attack),” he told ANI.

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Terrorists clashed with security forces in the Gandoh area of Doda on Wednesday evening — the fourth such incident in the past three days. The encounter is the latest in a series of clashes that have left several security personnel as well as civilians dead. A CRPF jawan was killed and six security personnel were injured in two overnight encounters with terrorists in Kathua and Doda districts on Tuesday. Another nine were killed (and 42 others injured) in Reasi after a a bus carrying pilgrims from the Shiv Khori shrine was attacked on Sunday.

Police in the northern UT have also reportedly laid the blame with Pakistan, insisting that India's “hostile neighbour” wanted to damage the peaceful environment. Ties between the two countries have become increasingly strained since New Delhi ended the special status of Jammu and Kashmir state in 2019.

BJP leaders however spoke out vehemently against dialogue with Pakistan on Wednesday. Jammu and Kashmir BJP president Ravinder Raina insisted that the ruling party would respond to Pakistan in the same language that it understood.

“Abdullah should stop advocating for Pakistan which had bled Jammu and Kashmir and brought destruction to the region by training, arming and pushing terrorists into this side to kill innocent citizens. Instead of condemning Pakistan, showing it the mirror and exposing its black face to the world, he is advocating dialogue which is highly regrettable,” he asserted.

(With inputs from agencies)