Srinagar: National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah on Friday said the attacks on Saudi Arabia’s civilian and energy infrastructure were unacceptable, asserting the sacred cities hold a central place in the faith and devotion of Muslims.
Abdullah condemned the “atrocious” attacks by Houthi rebels operating from Yemen on civilian and energy infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, including King Fahd International Airport.
He also expressed deep grief over the loss of human lives and injuries sustained by several people in these unfortunate incidents.
In a statement, Abdullah said that targeting civilian populations, airports and energy infrastructure was deeply concerning.
“Such actions not only threaten regional peace and stability but could also have far-reaching consequences for the entire world,” he said.
The three-time chief minister said that the sanctity of the HarmainSharifain, including Makkah Mukarramah and Madinah Munawwarah, is central to the faith and devotion of Muslims across the world.
“Ensuring the protection of these sacred places and the people associated with them is a moral responsibility of all concerned parties,” he added.
The NC chief expressed the hope that God would safeguard the HaramainSharifain and bless the Muslim world with peace, unity and security.
The escalating tensions in the Middle East could pose a serious challenge to global peace, economic stability and energy supplies, he said.
“The possibility of a wider conflict disrupting global oil and gas supplies, driving up fuel prices, affecting trade and placing additional pressure on the global economy cannot be overlooked. The burden of such developments is often borne disproportionately by ordinary citizens and low-income sections of society,” the NC president said.
Abdullah asserted that West Asia was already grappling with several complex issues and conflicts, and further provocative actions could aggravate an already volatile situation.
He urged all concerned parties to exercise restraint, wisdom and responsibility, and take concrete steps to de-escalate tensions and resolve disputes through peaceful means. The protection of civilian lives, property and essential infrastructure must be ensured under all circumstances.
He also urged the international community to intensify effective diplomatic efforts to end the escalating tensions in the area, protect civilian populations and establish lasting peace.
Abdullah stressed that concerted efforts were essential to prevent further devastation in the region and avert a wider humanitarian and economic crisis.
Centre cries foreign hand in every crisis
Srinagar: National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah on Friday hit out at the Centre for claiming a foreign hand behind the protests in Delhi, saying the Union government “parrots the narrative of an external conspiracy” whenever it is in a crisis.
Speaking to reporters here, Abdullah, a three-time chief minister, dared the Centre to name the country trying to meddle in India’s affairs.
“Whenever the government in Delhi is in danger, they see a foreign hand. They do not see their own. Who is doing it? If they say foreign (hand) is doing it, then name who is doing it. Which country is trying to do this? Tell us. They don’t have that name at all. Just (say) foreign hand, foreign hand! A foreign hand in everything,” he said.
Responding to a question about the Middle East crisis, Abdullah said the time has come for the war to be stopped.
“This is Trump’s favour, bringing destruction to the world. When will he come to his senses? The whole world is suffering from hardships. Look at inflation, the poor will suffer everywhere. The time has come for Trump to stop this war, and it is a matter of justice that Iran has the right to protect itself. Enough is enough; this is not a time of war now,” the NC chief added.
