Srinagar, 24-12-2023 : National Conference president, Farooq Abdullah, has underscored the enduring presence of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing that military or police action alone cannot eradicate this menace. He called upon the Central Government to delve into the root causes of terrorism and find comprehensive solutions to address the issue. Abdullah, a former chief minister, urged common people to recognize the futility of ongoing bloodshed, where innocent lives are continually lost to terrorism.
Speaking at a book release event, Abdullah criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for asserting normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir. He dismissed claims that the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 had eliminated terrorism, highlighting that the recent killing of retired police officer Mohd Shafi in Baramulla contradicts such declarations.
Expressing regret over Shafi’s death, Abdullah emphasized the need for a deeper understanding of the root causes of terrorism. He criticized superficial attempts to heal wounds and called for a focused approach to tackle the issue at its core. Abdullah questioned the benefit gained by perpetrators of violence through the killing of innocent individuals.
The National Conference president stressed that military or police measures alone would not suffice to end terrorism. Instead, he advocated for a more profound examination of the root causes. He urged the central government to seek genuine solutions and cautioned against relying on claims of normalcy or promoting tourism in the shadow of terrorism.
Addressing the growing terror activities in the twin border districts of Poonch and Rajouri, Abdullah challenged government assertions of normalcy, emphasizing that propaganda is insufficient in the face of ongoing loss of lives. He refrained from prescribing a ready-made solution but highlighted the need for a deeper understanding of the issue.
Regarding the alleged custodial deaths of three civilians following an ambush in Surankote, Abdullah expressed concern and underscored the importance of winning the war against terrorism with the support of the people. He called for a judicial inquiry into the civilian deaths and urged Home Minister Amit Shah to visit the area, assuring exemplary punishment for those involved. Abdullah deemed the killing of civilians a human rights violation and a tragic incident in the fight against terrorism.