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National Conference president and former state chief minister Farooq Abdullah on Monday voiced serious concern over the growing drug menace in Jammu and Kashmir, terming it a grave threat to the region's youth and their future. He called for a strong and united effort to eradicate the issue.

 

“Drugs are a big problem for us. Our children are being ruined by it. Our future is falling into darkness. We must wage a major war against it and eliminate this menace completely,” Abdullah said while speaking to mediapersons after inaugurating a cricket tournament.

 

Responding to queries on Pakistan’s alleged role in fueling narco-terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, Abdullah acknowledged the issue, saying, “We know about it. It is not something new. There are people among us who are involved, and we need to crack down on them strongly.”

 

The former chief minister stressed the need for harsh penalties for those involved in drug trafficking. “There are people selling drugs here. We must bring them down and give them the harshest punishment possible. They are endangering our future,” he added.

 

When asked about recent comments made by Pakistan Army chief General Asim Munir on Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, Abdullah declined to respond. “I am not a Pakistani and cannot speak on behalf of a Pakistani general. Please direct your enquiries to him,” he said.

 

At a diaspora event recently, Pakistan Army chief General Asim Munir had said, "Our stance is very clear. It (Kashmir) was our jugular vein, it will be our jugular vein, and we will not forget it. We will not leave our Kashmiri brothers in their heroic struggle."

 

Abdullah also expressed confidence about statehood restoration. "We will get our powers and statehood back. It has been promised in Parliament. It will definitely happen."

 

When asked about internal differences within the National Conference following remarks by Srinagar MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, Abdullah termed it an “internal matter”.

 

He also declined to comment on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s statements abroad regarding the Election Commission, saying, “Please do not ask me questions about Rahul Gandhi. I have no comments on it.”