Jammu, Apr 21: National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah on Monday expressed concern over the escalating drugs menace in Jammu and Kashmir, terming it a significant threat to the region’s youngsters and their future. He called for a robust and resolute response to the issue.
“Drugs are a big problem for us. Our children are being ruined by it. Our future is falling into darkness because of it. We have to wage a big war against it, in a very strong manner. We must eliminate this menace completely,” he told reporters after inaugurating a cricket tournament.
Responding to queries about Pakistan’s alleged involvement in pushing narcotics into Jammu and Kashmir as part of a broader narco-terrorism strategy, Abdullah said, “We know about it. It is not a new thing. There are people among us who are part of it and we need to strongly crack down on them.”
Abdullah also called for concerted efforts to combat the menace. “There are people who are involved in this and are selling drugs here. We must bring them down and give them the harshest punishment possible. They are jeopardising our future,” the former chief minister of the erstwhile state said.
The NC chief declined to comment on the Pakistan Army chief’s recent remarks on Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, saying, “I am not a Pakistani and cannot speak on behalf of a Pakistani general. Please direct your enquiries to him.”
Addressing a diaspora event recently, Pakistan Army chief General Asim Munir had said, “Our stance is very clear. It (Kashmir) was our jugular vein, it will be our jugular vein, and we will not forget it. We will not leave our Kashmiri brothers in their heroic struggle.” The event was attended by Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, senior ministers and Pakistanis living abroad.
Farooq also expressed confidence about statehood restoration. “We will get our powers and statehood back. It has been promised in Parliament. It will definitely come.”
Asked about differences in the National Conference, especially after comments by Srinagar MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, Abdullah said, “It is an internal matter.” He, however, declined to comment on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s remarks abroad regarding the Election Commission. “Please do not ask me questions about Rahul Gandhi. I have no comments on it.”
‘Kashmiri youth must embrace Iqbal’s message of Khudi’
National Conference (NC) president Dr Farooq Abdullah on Monday paid heartfelt tributes to the ‘Ballard of the East’, Dr Sir Sheikh Muhammad Iqbal, on his 85th anniversary.
Dr Abdullah in a statement described Iqbal as a remarkable poet and philosopher who ignited a sense of pride and determination among the Muslims of the subcontinent through his powerful poetry.
The NC chief emphasised the “significant role Allama Iqbal played in Kashmir’s struggles, providing unwavering moral and ideological support to Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah in his battle against oppression and injustice”, the statement said.
Dr Farooq said the philosophy of Allama Iqbal remains relevant even today, offering solutions to a wide range of social, political and economic challenges in the modern world. He urged the youth of Kashmir to embrace Iqbal’s message of “Khudi” and equality, encouraging them to unleash their full potential and strive for excellence.
