Calls for Regional Friendship and Unity in Difficult Times
Srinagar , Jan 1 : National Conference president and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Dr. Farooq Abdullah on Thursday expressed hope that improving relations with neighboring countries would help the region overcome its present challenges, asserting that dialogue and friendship remain the only sustainable paths forward.
Speaking to the media, Dr. Abdullah welcomed recent diplomatic developments and said he was encouraged by gestures that reflected goodwill and respect in the region. Referring to India’s External Affairs Minister attending the last rites of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, he described the move as a positive signal. “They are our old friends, and it is our desire that this friendship grows stronger with time,” he said, stressing the importance of stable and cooperative ties among neighboring nations.
Turning to domestic concerns, the NC chief highlighted the severe difficulties faced by Kashmir’s traditional industries, particularly artisans and shawl dealers who have long been the backbone of the local economy. He said periods of hardship were an inevitable part of life but cautioned people not to lose patience or fall prey to forces that thrive on division. “Difficulties come and go, but wisdom lies in facing them with unity and understanding,” he remarked.
Dr. Abdullah issued a sharp warning against extremist and authoritarian tendencies, saying certain elements were deliberately trying to push society towards dangerous ideologies. “Some people are walking on destructive paths and want to impose a system based on fear and blind obedience,” he said.
Drawing a strong historical parallel, he cautioned against what he described as attempts to introduce authoritarian rule. “They want a Hitler-like system to take root here. History tells us what happened to Hitler and to Nazism. God willing, such ideologies have no future here either,” he asserted.
Concluding his remarks, Dr. Abdullah appealed for harmony, democratic values, and regional cooperation, expressing confidence that with patience and faith, the people would emerge stronger from the current challenges.
