We must move forward with Pakistan: Former RAW chief AS Dulat at launch of his new book

"The sands are running out, time is on nobody's side. We need to move on and we need to move on with Pakistan...I will continue to say that we must move forward with Pakistan," Dulat said at the launch of his book 'The Chief Minister and The Spy'.

Terrorism emanating from territories under Pakistan's control remains a core concern in bilateral relation and India has said that talks and terror cannot go together. India has consistently stressed the need for Pakistan to take credible, irreversible and verifiable action to end cross border terrorism against India and fulfill its assurances, given to India at the highest level in January 2004 and reiterated several times, that territory under its control would not be allowed to be used for terrorism against India in any manner.

Dulat had earlier defended his new book amidst controversy surrounding its portrayal of Dr Farooq Abdullah.

Dulat emphasised that his book is "full of praise" for the former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and contains "nothing against him".

Dulat clarified that his book is an appreciation, not a critique, of Farooq Abdullah's politics. He highlighted Farooq's alleged willingness to work with Delhi and described him as an "ultimate nationalist".

Dulat also mentioned Mehbooba Mufti, saying she knows the National Conference is the main party in Kashmir.

"I have said this over and over again that Farooq has always been with Delhi, Farooq has always been with India. He is the ultimate nationalist. What is the doubt in it? ...The National Conference is the main party in Kashmir. Mehbooba ji knows that. There was a time when I used to ask Mufti sahib, ' Why doesn't he join the National Conference? 'This book is in praise of Dr Farooq," said the former RAW chief.

The book's contents have sparked debate, with some opposition parties interpreting it as revealing hidden political negotiations. Dulat, however, dismisses claims that Farooq Abdullah privately backed the Centre's move to abrogate Article 370, calling such reports "misquoted."

The controversy has elicited reactions from various leaders in Jammu and Kashmir. Some, like Sajad Lone, find Dulat's claims credible given his close association with Farooq Abdullah, while others, such as Waheed Para, demanded clarification from the National Conference. Tanvir Sadiq, National Conference spokesperson, accused Dulat of attempting to create controversy to boost book sales.