Jammu: Former Chief Minister and senior political leader, Dr. Farooq Abdullah, recently addressed pressing concerns about the socio-political and economic issues plaguing the region, including the ongoing impact of the abrogation of Article 370, the rising drug menace, and the overall condition of Muslims in the state and beyond.
Speaking on the abrogation of Article 370, Abdullah reiterated that the special provisions were primarily enacted to safeguard the jobs and resources of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
He explained, “The law introduced in 1927 by Maharaja Hari Singh aimed to protect the employment and resources of the local population. Article 370, introduced in 1949, further cemented these protections. Its removal has left the people vulnerable and exposed to challenges we have long tried to prevent.”
When asked about the delay in restoring democratic rights and statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, Abdullah remarked, “The question of delay should be directed at those responsible. Our hope and prayers lie with Allah, and we will continue to demand justice and the restoration of our rights.”
The conversation then turned to the alarming spread of drugs in the valley, a crisis that Abdullah called “a threat to our future generations.” He urged the people of Kashmir to take responsibility for combating the issue, emphasizing that both the suppliers and consumers are part of the local community. “It’s not just an external conspiracy—Kashmiris themselves are complicit in perpetuating this menace. We must wake up and act before it’s too late.”
Dr. Abdullah expressed confidence in the efforts of law enforcement agencies but stressed the need for community involvement to uproot the problem. “The police are working hard to crack down on drug networks, but unless every village and every family steps up, the problem will persist. This is a wake-up call for all of us.”
Addressing claims that neighboring Pakistan is fueling the drug crisis, Abdullah stated, “Blaming others won’t solve our problems. While there may be external elements involved, we Kashmiris must first take responsibility for destroying our own homes. Only then can we hope to overcome this challenge.”
In closing, Dr. Farooq Abdullah appealed to the people of Jammu and Kashmir to unite in faith and action to tackle the various challenges facing the region. “We must return to the values of honesty, faith, and self-responsibility. Only through collective effort can we ensure a better future for our children and preserve the legacy of our land.”
