Farooq Abdullah Calls for Unity Against Terrorism in Kashmir After Pahalgam Tragedy

A Call to Action in the Wake of Tragedy

Anantnag: On Saturday, Farooq Abdullah, the leader of the National Conference, urged the residents of Jammu and Kashmir to unite against the forces responsible for the recent Pahalgam attacks, emphasizing that those accountable for the April 22 tragedy would face dire consequences.

During his visit to the home of Adil Hussain Shah, a pony ride operator among the 26 victims, Abdullah honored Shah as a martyr, stating, "He sacrificed his life without fear of the attackers. This exemplifies 'insaniyat' (humanity) and 'Kashmiriyat'. Those who live in fear are already defeated."

He stressed the need for courage in confronting terrorism, asserting, "We cannot achieve happiness or progress unless we stand up against them. Courage is essential for our future."

When asked about India's response to Pakistan following the attack, Abdullah refrained from commenting, stating, "Our prime minister will make those decisions."

In response to remarks from Pakistan Peoples Party leader Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, Abdullah remarked, "His statements will continue... If we let them affect us, we cannot progress."

Following India's suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) after the Pahalgam incident, Abdullah echoed the need to reassess the treaty, highlighting the losses incurred due to its terms. He stated, "The rivers belong to us, yet we suffer. We have rights to the water as well."

He pointed out that Jammu faces water shortages and that the treaty prevents the diversion of Chenab river water to the region. Abdullah noted, "We attempted to redirect water from the Chenab, but the World Bank cited the IWT as a barrier. We now have a chance to access that water, as we have rights to the rivers too, not just Pakistan."

The IWT, established in 1960 with World Bank mediation, regulates the use of the Indus river and its tributaries between India and Pakistan.

Abdullah lamented that India cannot develop projects on its rivers without Pakistan's consent due to the treaty, stating, "Are we not deprived of electricity? We have rivers capable of generating vast amounts of power, yet we cannot harness them without permission from Pakistan. We must revisit this treaty, and I believe we will."

When questioned about the escalating tensions between the two nuclear nations, Abdullah replied, "I cannot answer such questions."

Reflecting on the Pahalgam massacre, he urged the public not to succumb to fear, declaring that those responsible would face severe repercussions. "Those who committed this atrocity have murdered humanity. The gates of hell await them; they will not find peace in heaven," he asserted.

Abdullah later visited Pahalgam, engaging with tourists and taking selfies with them.