Following a wave of terror attacks on security personnel and construction camps in the state, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah abruptly stated that there was "no scope" for India to start a dialogue with Pakistan. Abdullah, who had advocated for negotiations between the two countries last year, accused Pakistan of "meddling" in J&K matters in an interview with the BBC.

"Pakistan has never stopped meddling (in J&K's affairs). It would be foolish to suggest that what J&K has seen has been purely indigenous without outside assistance. At the moment, there is no scope (for talks) due to the sort of attacks that have happened in the past few years," said Abdullah. In 2024, 122 people were killed in 60 terror events in Jammu and Kashmir, including 26 members of the security forces and 32 civilians, according to government figures. Pakistan would need to consider some of the Indian government's concerns for a "friendly working relationship," the vice-president of the National Conference emphasised.

"Trying to get Pakistan to take on board some of the government's concerns so that we can establish a friendly working relationship is something the National Conference has talked about," said Abdullah. The Chief Minister also categorically denied that the Union Territory would ever again have Article 370, which was repealed in 2019. Before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, both Omar Abdullah and his father, Farooq Abdullah, supported the idea of restarting talks with Pakistan.

Speaking at an election rally in north Kashmir, Omar said, "The NC always supported a dialogue process (with Pakistan). Listen to Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He said friends can be changed, not neighbours. Pakistan was, is and will remain a neighbour."  

Unlike his predecessor, Mehbooba Mufti, who strongly supported talks with Pakistan, this is the first time Omar has completely ruled out any dialogue with India’s neighbour since starting his second term as Chief Minister.