SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC) president Dr Farooq Abdullah on Tuesday expressed concern over the ongoing crisis in West Asia, saying the conflict had repercussions far beyond the region and required urgent diplomatic intervention to prevent further escalation.
In a statement, Abdullah appealed to countries across the world, particularly Arab and Muslim nations, to use diplomatic and political channels to help end the conflict. He said international institutions, including the United Nations and the International Court of Justice, should play an effective role in promoting dialogue, reconciliation and negotiations among the parties involved.
Abdullah also called for accountability over what he described as alleged war crimes and genocide in Palestine, and urged the international community to take steps to address the humanitarian situation.
The NC leader said the United States and Israel should move away from what he termed a war-driven approach and prioritise the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure. He argued that military action could not provide a lasting solution and that continued use of force would deepen the humanitarian crisis.
Referring to reports of missile attacks by Houthi rebels towards the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah, Abdullah said any threat to sacred religious sites was regrettable and had hurt the sentiments of Muslims worldwide. He urged the Houthi leadership to refrain from such actions.
He also appealed to Saudi Arabia, Yemen and other countries affected by the escalating tensions to pursue dialogue and mutual understanding to resolve disputes peacefully.
Abdullah expressed hope that the current crisis would end soon and that peace and stability would return to the region.
