Ramban/Jammu:
In the aftermath of the devastating flash floods and cloudbursts that ravaged Ramban district, former Chief Minister and National Conference (NC) President, Dr Farooq Abdullah, on Monday called the tragedy a “national disaster” and pressed for urgent central assistance.
Addressing the issue of recurring disasters in the region, Abdullah stressed the urgency of proper water management systems, including the repair of nullahs (canals) to ensure streamlined flow and minimize future risks.
Dr. Abdullah drew attention to the fragile condition of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, the only all-weather route connecting the Valley to the rest of India.
Raising alarms over the increasing drug abuse in Jammu and Kashmir, Abdullah called it a grave threat to the region’s youth.
Remaining optimistic, the NC chief said he was confident that J&K’s statehood will be restored, citing Parliament’s commitment.
When asked about comments made by the Pakistan Army Chief on Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, Abdullah responded candidly:
The NC leader emphasized the need for the relocation and rehabilitation of families whose homes were obliterated by the calamity. He further revealed that another cloudburst occurred nearby, tragically claiming two more lives.
- “This is a very big disaster — it is actually a national disaster,” Dr. Abdullah stated while speaking to reporters at a local function.
- “Entire villages have been destroyed. Three people have died, and the full scale of the damage is still unfolding.”
“Fix Canals, Prevent Future Disasters”
Addressing the issue of recurring disasters in the region, Abdullah stressed the urgency of proper water management systems, including the repair of nullahs (canals) to ensure streamlined flow and minimize future risks.
- “The entire mountain has collapsed. People cannot live there anymore; they must be shifted to safer places,” he warned.
Jammu-Srinagar Highway in Crisis
Dr. Abdullah drew attention to the fragile condition of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, the only all-weather route connecting the Valley to the rest of India.
He strongly advocated for alternate routes and tunnel projects, including a tunnel through Doda and another on the Mughal Road, to decrease dependency on the existing highway
- “The highway has been badly impacted. Had the train been operational, people would have had a safer option,” he lamented, noting that poor weather even delayed the Prime Minister’s scheduled inauguration.
Drug Menace: “A War We Must Win”
Raising alarms over the increasing drug abuse in Jammu and Kashmir, Abdullah called it a grave threat to the region’s youth.
He also pointed to Pakistan’s alleged involvement in narco-terrorism, urging stringent action against those complicit in smuggling and distribution within the region.
- “Drugs are destroying our children and pushing our future into darkness. We must fight a strong and uncompromising war against this menace,” he declared.
- “We know there are insiders involved. They must be caught and punished severely,” he insisted.
On Statehood & Party Unity
Remaining optimistic, the NC chief said he was confident that J&K’s statehood will be restored, citing Parliament’s commitment.
Regarding internal party differences, particularly after recent remarks by Srinagar MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, Dr. Abdullah brushed off speculation, terming it an internal matter.
- “We will get our powers and statehood back. It has been promised, and it will come,” he affirmed.
“I Speak for India, Not for Pakistan”
When asked about comments made by the Pakistan Army Chief on Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, Abdullah responded candidly:
- “I am not a Pakistani. Please ask the General himself. I speak for my people, not for them,” he remarked.
