Jahangeer Ganaie
Anantnag, Sep 17: National Conference (NC) President Dr. Farooq Abdullah Wednesday said that Jammu and Kashmir has historically been known for its politics and every individual has the right to participate in political discourse.
Speaking to reporters in Anantnag, NC leader said that the ongoing crisis facing fruit growers due to repeated highway closures is the outcome of the situation that is not man-made but the result of natural calamities.
Dr. Abdullah stressed that the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway has remained shut frequently in recent weeks owing to landslides, cloudbursts and heavy rains. This disruption has led to massive losses in Kashmir’s apple industry, with trucks stranded for days and produce rotting on the way to outside markets.
However, he urged people not to look at the crisis only through a political lens. “The highway closure isn’t a deliberate attempt. It is due to cloudbursts, rains and landslides, which are natural calamities. This is nothing but the wrath of Allah, reminding us to turn back towards Him. Instead of blaming each other, we should pray to Almighty Allah for relief and blessings,” Dr. Abdullah said.
He welcomed the government’s efforts to restore the road link, saying that smooth connectivity is essential not only for the fruit industry but also for the day-to-day lives of people across Jammu and Kashmir.
The NC Chief also remarked that J&K has always been a land of political dialogue, and people should not be deprived of their right to speak, debate, or engage in politics.
“Jammu and Kashmir is known for politics and everyone has a right to do politics. Politics is about giving people a voice and finding solutions to their problems. No one should be stopped from it,” he said.
“We must bow our heads before Almighty Allah and pray for His kindness. Only His blessings can save us from these hardships,” he said.
