Farooq Abdullah, the president of the National Conference, addressed reporters on Wednesday regarding the implications of ‘Operation Sindoor’, stating that while it has yielded positive outcomes, wars ultimately lead to suffering, not solutions. Abdullah emphasized the dire consequences of armed conflicts, citing examples from global hotspots like Ukraine and the Middle East.
During the press briefing held at the party headquarters, Abdullah remarked, “(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.” He highlighted the extensive destruction witnessed in Ukraine and expressed concerns over the ongoing instability in the Middle East, particularly regarding gas supplies.
He pointed out, “Look at Ukraine and the destruction there, look at the Middle East. It will take Qatar a year or two to restore gas supplies.” Abdullah’s comments come in the context of escalating tensions and economic struggles that many countries are currently facing.
As the conversation shifted to the recent turmoil in the Gulf region, Abdullah reiterated that the global community is not prepared for war. He stated, “Don’t panic. The world isn’t ready for war. Economic conditions of every country are already bad.” He underscored that with the Middle East holding most of the world’s oil and gas reserves, ongoing conflicts could lead to catastrophic consequences for the global economy.
Addressing the latest assembly election results, Abdullah noted the varied responses from different political leaders. He commented, “How will I see? I see it like you are seeing. The results have come; Mamata (Banerjee) is not accepting (the results), she says there was huge rigging.” He further acknowledged the shift in leadership in Tamil Nadu and election outcomes in Kerala and Assam, illustrating the dynamic political landscape in India.
When asked about the impact of the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls on the elections, the former chief minister replied, “There was an impact of everything.” He expressed confidence in the opposition INDIA bloc, asserting that it remains a strong entity.
In response to queries about the recent blasts in Punjab, Abdullah seemed unfazed, stating that India has witnessed such incidents before, advising the public, “You should not panic.” His comments aimed to reassure citizens amid rising concerns over violence in the region.
Discussing the opposition’s criticisms of the National Conference government in Jammu and Kashmir, Abdullah remarked, “It is good that the opposition is doing its job. If they don’t, how will they survive?” He affirmed that the National Conference will continue its agenda, focusing on serving the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Abdullah’s thoughts on Operation Sindoor encapsulate a broader narrative on the futility of war and the pressing need for diplomatic solutions in the face of global crises. His insights serve as a reminder of the intricate balance between security and diplomacy, particularly in turbulent times.
