Lack of unity among Muslim countries damaging for poor: Dr Farooq Abdullah
Srinagar, 13 Aug: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President Dr. Farooq Abdullah Thursday expressed concern over the continuing wars, violence, oppression, human rights violations and excessive use of force in Palestine, Lebanon, Iran and other parts of the world.
Addressing a gathering in Srinagar, Dr. Farooq said the continued killing and targeting of innocent children, women and elderly people was deeply tragic and a grave concern for humanity. He expressed alarm over the destruction of hospitals, schools, universities, power stations and other essential infrastructure, saying that human values, democratic principles and international law were being undermined with impunity.
Dr. Farooq said the killing of civilians and violation of fundamental human rights anywhere in the world could not be justified or accepted. He called upon global powers to uphold universal principles and refrain from applying double standards when responding to conflicts and humanitarian crises.
Over the lack of unity and coordination among Muslim countries, Dr. Farooq said the absence of collective action within the Muslim world was ultimately being borne by poor and ordinary people. He appealed to Muslim countries to rise above their differences, strengthen mutual cooperation and solidarity, and speak collectively for the protection of oppressed communities as well as every innocent human being facing violence and persecution.
“Muslim countries must learn from the difficult circumstances confronting the world today and strengthen unity, cooperation and coordination among themselves. The price of disunity is ultimately being paid by the poor and ordinary people,” he said.
Expressing deep concern over the growing menace of drug abuse in Jammu and Kashmir, Dr. Farooq said the rapidly spreading drug epidemic posed a serious threat to the future of the younger generation. He said the manner in which the menace had spread across society since 2019 was particularly alarming. He called for a united and sustained campaign against drug abuse, urging parents, teachers, religious and social leaders, political workers and civil society organisations to shoulder their responsibility in confronting the challenge.
On the issue of restoration of statehood, Dr. Farooq Abdullah described it as one of the most urgent necessities before Jammu and Kashmir. He said restoration of statehood was an indispensable first step towards rebuilding democratic institutions and restoring the constitutional and democratic rights of the people.
Meanwhile, Dr. Farooq Abdullah visited the residence of the late Sheikh Abdul Latif, son of late Sheikh Ghulam Mohammad, at Upper Soura to offer condolences to the bereaved family. He expressed solidarity with the family in their hour of grief and prayed for peace and forgiveness for the departed soul. Fatiha was also offered on the occasion.
