National Conference president Farooq Abdullah has said that militancy in Jammu and Kashmir will not end unless India and Pakistan improve their bilateral relations.
Speaking to reporters in Shopian district on Monday, Abdullah emphasised the need for better diplomacy between the two nations to bring lasting peace to the region.
"Militancy will not end here till our relations with our neighbour do not become better," he stated when asked about claims that insurgency in the Union Territory had been eradicated.
In response to a question about the ongoing encounter in Kulgam district, Abdullah pointed to the continuing violence as evidence that militancy still persists.
"How can you say that militancy has ended when the encounter is going on?" he said.
The remarks come amid renewed concerns over security challenges in Jammu and Kashmir, even as officials claim a significant drop in militant activities in recent years.