Jammu: National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Monday voiced concern over the escalating drugs menace in Jammu and Kashmir, labelling it a significant threat to the region’s youngsters and their future.
He also laid stress on the need 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.”
He 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.
Abdullah 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.
Abdullah 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.”
Farooq Abdullah calls for relocation of families hit by Ramban flash floods
National Conference supremo Farooq Abdullah on Monday called for relocation and rehabilitation of the families affected by the flash floods triggered by heavy rain and cloudbursts that caused widespread devastation in Ramban district.
Calling it a “national disaster”, he urged the Centre to step in and provide immediate assistance to the affected people.
“This is a very big disaster — it is actually a national disaster. Entire villages have been affected. Three people have died and we are still uncertain about the full extent of the damage. I hope the government of India and the prime minister will provide maximum assistance and support to these people,” Abdullah told reporters on the sidelines of a function.
The former chief minister said another cloudburst had occurred at a separate location, claiming two more lives.
“These are major natural disasters. We need to act urgently and put measures in place to prevent their recurrence,” he said.
Calling for better water management systems, Abdullah laid stress on the need for repairing ‘nullahs (canals)’ to ensure proper flow and reduce the risk of future disasters.
“We need to fix the canals so that their water flows directly and doesn’t scatter. The entire mountain has collapsed. People can no longer live there, they must be relocated and resettled in safer areas,” Abdullah said.
He also emphasised “everyone needs to step in — whether it is the central or the state government” and added, “This is the time to act and save lives.”
Abdullah highlighted the fragile condition of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway. “It has been badly affected. If the train had been operational, people could have used it and been safe. Unfortunately, the weather was so bad that even the prime minister could not come (for its inauguration),” he said.
Underscoring the urgent need for alternative connectivity, Abdullah said, “The burden on Mughal Road has increased and people are being stopped at Sundarbani (Rajouri) and released in phases. We have only one road — it has become a path of destruction.”
The Mughal Road connects the twin districts of Rajouri and Poonch in the Jammu region with south Kashmir’s Shopian district.
Pitching for more tunnels to avoid disasters, he said a tunnel from Doda must be expedited.
“A tunnel on the Mughal Road is also essential. We need multiple alternative routes to connect the region,” Abdullah said. (With inputs from PTI)
