Jahangeer Ganaie
Anantnag, Jun 24: Former Chief Minister and National Conference (NC), president, Dr Farooq Abdullah on Tuesday expressed relief over the ceasefire between Iran and the United States and called it a positive step for global peace.
Speaking to reporters in Anantnag’s Dooru, Dr Farooq said innocent people were being killed in the escalating conflict and the ceasefire was a result of “global pressure” on America, driven by humanitarian and economic concerns.
“I am thankful to the Almighty. If there is indeed a ceasefire, it is a good thing. Innocent people were being killed,” Dr Abdullah said. “Nobody has surrendered before anyone — neither Iran nor America — but out of humanity, they decided to halt the violence. It would have impacted their own economies and also the economies of the rest of the world. There was immense global pressure on America to bring an end to this.”
The NC chief said world peace is interconnected, and conflicts in one region can have ripple effects globally.
He extended his wishes for a smooth and peaceful Amarnath Yatra, expressing hope that pilgrims would witness the warmth of the people of Kashmir and the natural beauty of the region.
Dr Farooq added, “We hope that devotees have a darshan of Bholenath happily, return to their homes with good memories and say how good the people are and what beauty the Almighty has blessed this place with.”
The former CM welcomed the Centre’s recent push in sanctioning infrastructure projects in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly tunnels and roads that are expected to boost connectivity and development in remote areas.
“It is good to see that the Centre has sanctioned many projects, including tunnels and roads. We hope more will be sanctioned in the coming time,” he said.
Dr Abdullah also urged the government to take a humanitarian view regarding incarcerated separatist leader Shabir Shah’s health. He said either the government should provide him with the best medical treatment or release him on parole.
“Shabir Shah should be released on parole to get better treatment, or the government should treat him very well. If he dies in jail, it will become yet another allegation against the Government of India,” he warned.
The NC chief stressed that human rights must be safeguarded irrespective of political ideology, especially when a person’s life is at stake. Dr Abdullah said he stands with the statement of Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Umar Farooq, what he said in his last Friday speech.
