Jammu, Jan 20: National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Tuesday expressed confidence that Ladakh will eventually be reintegrated with Jammu and Kashmir, noting that people in the Union Territory are now regretting the 2019 decision that separated it from the state.

Addressing reporters in Jammu, Abdullah said public sentiment in Ladakh is increasingly in favor of rejoining Jammu and Kashmir, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction with the UT arrangement.

He dismissed calls for a separate Jammu state, asserting that such proposals show a lack of understanding of regional realities and warned that political divisions would weaken the overall fabric of Jammu and Kashmir. Responding to PDP president Mehbooba Mufti’s demand for more districts in the Chenab Valley and Pir Panjal, Abdullah rejected the proposal, claiming there are already sufficient districts and accusing some of reviving ideas similar to the historical Dixon Plan.

On regional relations, Abdullah emphasized that neighbors cannot be changed and criticized what he called a prevailing “Pakistan phobia” as a source of ongoing problems. He also questioned Mehbooba Mufti’s record on unemployment during her tenure as Chief Minister.

On international affairs, Abdullah noted the close relationship between India and former US President Donald Trump, expressing hope that global tensions will ease over time.