Kashmiris must confront their enemies for peace, progress: Farooq

Irfan Tramboo
SRINAGAR, May 3: Stating that the “doors of hell” are open for the perpetrators of the Pahalgam terror attack, National Conference (NC) president and former Chief Minister Dr. Farooq Abdullah today said that the people of Jammu and Kashmir must confront their “enemies” if they wish to see peace and progress.

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Speaking to reporters after visiting the family of tourist guide Syed Adil Hussain Shah at Hapatnad, Abdullah said that Adil’s courageous act embodied true humanity and Kashmiriyat.
“What he did reflects real humanity and Kashmiriyat. He wasn’t afraid of them. We have to fight the enemies with courage. Unless we do so, we will neither find happiness nor achieve progress. For that, we need to be brave,” he said.
The NC chief reiterated that the “doors of hell” are open for the perpetrators of the Pahalgam attack, emphasizing his desire to see Jammu and Kashmir progress.
“I want to see us move forward. Don’t be afraid of such acts. I tell you, those who committed this crime and those behind it have killed all of humanity. The doors of hell are open for them-they will never enter paradise,” he said.
On the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty (IWT), the NC president said that his party has consistently demanded a review, asserting that the people of J&K have equal rights over the rivers governed by the treaty.
“We have been calling for a review of the IWT because it has negatively impacted us-our rivers have been affected and we are left without water. We don’t want to stop the water, but we have a rightful share,” he said.
In Jammu, Abdullah added, there is a water shortage, and attempts were made to supply water from the Chenab. “But the World Bank didn’t support it, saying it falls under the IWT,” he noted. He emphasized that now is an opportunity to secure water for Jammu. “We also have a right to it. We cannot construct any power project without first seeking permission.”
The former Chief Minister said there is great potential for power generation to meet the electricity demands of the people, but the IWT remains a barrier.
“People are struggling with power shortages. There is potential for generation, but we cannot build projects without approvals,” he said.
When asked about actions taken by the Government against Pakistan amid recent escalation, he responded, “I cannot comment on Pakistan-that decision rests with the Prime Minister.”
Regarding Adil’s family, he urged the public to help them sustain themselves, saying that God has not only blessed Hapatnad with beauty but also with bravehearts like Adil.
“This area will become more attractive, and more tourists will come. I’ve told the concerned MLA that efforts should be made to boost tourism here,” he said.
On the occasion, he also handed over the one month salary of the MLA Pahalgam Altaf Ahmad Wani to Adil’s father.
Later, Abdullah met several tourists at the Pahalgam selfie point, took pictures with them, and assured them of their safety. He also told them there is no need to fear visiting Kashmir.
“More tourists should visit Kashmir to defy and shame the enemies. They should know that we are not afraid and that we will continue coming here-because J&K is ours.”

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