On Wednesday, National Conference president Farooq Abdullah asserted that ‘Operation Sindoor’ has yielded positive outcomes, but cautioned that wars ultimately result in suffering rather than solutions. Abdullah spoke with reporters at the party headquarters in Srinagar, urging a reevaluation of conflict strategies on an international scale.
Abdullah articulated profound concerns regarding the fallout of war, referencing the ongoing crises in Ukraine and the Middle East as case studies. He noted, “(Operation) Sindoor has paid its dividends. I think there is no more question of wars. Wars do not bring a solution, they just bring misery.” Abdullah highlighted the economic repercussions of such conflicts, particularly the uncertainty surrounding gas supplies, stating, “Look at the situation of gas supplies here. It will take Qatar a year or two to restore gas supplies.”
When asked about the escalating tensions in the Gulf region, Abdullah conveyed that the global climate remains unprepared for warfare. He cautioned, “Don’t panic, the world isn’t ready for war. Economic conditions of every country are already bad, and no country wants war.” He further explained the significant ramifications if tensions persist, stating, “The Middle East has most of the oil and gas, and if pressure continues, the situation in the world will be so bad that it will be difficult to survive.”
Addressing domestic political matters, Abdullah discussed the recent assembly election results. He remarked, “How will I see it? I see it like you are seeing. The results have come; Mamata (Banerjee) is not accepting the results, claiming there was huge rigging.” He analyzed the political landscape across state lines, noting shifts and victories: “This is the situation in Bengal. Tamil Nadu is getting a new government. Congress won in Kerala, the BJP won in Assam. What else is there?”
On the topic of the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, Abdullah acknowledged its influence, stating, “There was an impact of everything.” He emphasized the strength of the opposition INDIA bloc, asserting, “There is nothing lacking in it.”
Addressing concerns about recent blasts in Punjab, Abdullah labeled these incidents as part of a broader narrative, stating, “Blasts have been happening in India, and there was nothing new.” He encouraged a level of calm, asserting, “You should not panic.”
Finally, Abdullah responded to opposition criticisms regarding the National Conference’s governance in Jammu and Kashmir. He suggested such opposition is beneficial, noting, “It is good that the opposition is doing its job. If they don’t, how will they survive?” He concluded his remarks by reaffirming the commitment of his party, stating, “Our party is working the way it has to, and we will continue to do so.”
Abdullah’s statements underscore a critical perspective on the interrelation between military conflicts and economic stability, showcasing the need for diplomatic solutions over warfare in today’s complex geopolitical landscape.
