National Conference chief and former Jammu and Kashmir
chief minister Farooq Abdullah, speaking in the Lok Sabha for the first time
since his release from detention, on Saturday called on the government to hold
talks with Pakistan to end border conflicts.

Abdullah argued that if India can hold talks with
China to alleviate recent border clashes, it can do the same with Pakistan to ease
the prevailing situation in Jammu and Kashmir.

Also Read: Lok Sabha floor leaders mull curtailing of session due to rising COVID-19 cases among MPs

“Border skirmishes have been rising and people are
dying. A way has to be found to deal with this. Except for talks. As you are
talking to China to attempt that it withdraws (from Ladakh border), we should
also talk to our (other) neighbour to find a way to get out of this situation,”
Abdullah said.

He also expressed delight over the Indian Army
launching an investigation into the killing of three men in an encounter in
Shopian district.

“I am happy that the Army has admitted that three
Shopian men were killed mistakenly. I hope the government gives a hefty
compensation,” he said.

According to PTI, officials on Friday said that the Army
had found “prima facie” evidence that its troops “exceeded” powers under the
Armed Forces Special Powers Act during the encounter in July. The Army has
initiated disciplinary proceedings into the matter.

Also Read: Farooq Abdullah calls for probe into exodus of Kashmiri Pandits

Abdullah further slammed the government for lack of
progress in the Union Territory, saying that the blocking of 4G by the
authorities is against the interest of the students and traders of Jammu and
Kashmir.

Abdullah was one of numerous leaders from the erstwhile
state that were put under detention following the abrogation of Article 370 by
the Union government last year, splitting Jammu and Kashmir into two union territories.
He was released from detention in March this year.