Will get our Statehood back: Farooq

‘Drug menace threat to youngsters’

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 21: Asserting that Ramban tragedy be declared as ‘national disaster’, former Chief Minister and National Conference president, Dr Farooq Abdullah today called for relocation and rehabilitation of the families affected by the flash floods triggered by heavy rain and cloudbursts that caused widespread devastation in Ramban district of Jammu division.

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Calling it a “national disaster”, Farooq urged the Centre to step in and provide immediate assistance to the affected people of Ramban tragedy.
“This is a very big disaster — it is actually a national disaster. Entire villages have been affected. Three people have died and we are still uncertain about the full extent of the damage. I hope the Government of India and the Prime Minister will provide maximum assistance and support to these people,” Farooq told reporters on the sidelines of a function here.
The former Chief Minister of the erstwhile State said another cloudburst had occurred at a separate location, claiming two more lives.
“These are major natural disasters. We need to act urgently and put measures in place to prevent their recurrence,” he said.
Calling for better water management systems, Abdullah laid stress on the need for repairing ‘nullahs (canals)’ to ensure proper flow and reduce the risk of future disasters.
“We need to fix the canals so that their water flows directly and doesn’t scatter. The entire mountain has collapsed. People can no longer live there, they must be relocated and resettled in safer areas,” the NC leader said.
He also emphasized, “everyone needs to step in– whether it is the Central or the State Government” and added, “This is the time to act and save lives.”
Farooq highlighted the fragile condition of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway — the only all weather road linking Kashmir with the rest of the country.
“It has been badly affected. If the train had been operational, people could have used it and been safe. Unfortunately, the weather was so bad that even the Prime Minister could not come (for its inauguration),” he added.
Underscoring the urgent need for alternative connectivity, NC chief said, “The burden on Mughal Road has increased and people are being stopped at Sundarbani (Rajouri) and released in phases. We have only one road — it has become a path of destruction.” Pitching for more tunnels to avoid disasters, he said a tunnel from Doda must be expedited.
“A tunnel on the Mughal Road is also essential. We need multiple alternative routes to connect the region,” Farooq stressed,
The NC stalwart also voiced concern over the escalating drug menace in Jammu and Kashmir, labelling it a significant threat to the region’s youngsters and their future. He laid stress on the need for a robust and resolute response to the issue.
“Drugs are a big problem for us. Our children are being ruined by it. Our future is falling into darkness because of it. We have to wage a big war against it, in a very strong manner. We must eliminate this menace completely,” he added.
Responding to queries about Pakistan’s alleged involvement in pushing narcotics into Jammu and Kashmir as part of a broader narco-terrorism strategy, Abdullah said, “We know about it. It is not a new thing. There are people among us who are part of it and we need to strongly crack down on them.”
He also called for concerted efforts to combat the menace.
“There are people who are involved in this and are selling drugs here. We must bring them down and give them the harshest punishment possible. They are jeopardising our future,” the former Chief Minister of the erstwhile state said.
Abdullah declined to comment on the Pakistan army chief’s recent remarks on Pakistan-occupied Jammu Kashmir, saying, “I am not a Pakistani and cannot speak on behalf of a Pakistani General. Please direct your enquiries to him.”
Farooq expressed confidence about Statehood restoration. “We will get our powers and Statehood back. It has been promised in Parliament. It will definitely come.”
Asked about differences in the National Conference, especially after comments by Srinagar MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, Abdullah said, “It is an internal matter.”

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