Farooq Abdullah Dismisses Claims of ‘Deliberate Sabotage’ in Highway Closure, Cites Natural Causes
Anantnag : National Conference (NC) president and Member of Parliament Dr. Farooq Abdullah has rejected allegations that the prolonged closure of the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway was a “deliberate attempt” to sabotage Kashmir’s fruit industry. He maintained that natural factors such as heavy rains and landslides were to blame, not human intervention.
Speaking to reporters in Anantnag, Abdullah said that politics around such issues is inevitable in Kashmir, as “some people’s houses run on politics.” He alleged that certain groups survive on financial support from Delhi and exploit every situation for their own gain.
“Did people damage the mountains or bring rain? This was the wrath of Allah because we are far from Him. It is because we don’t offer namaz,” Abdullah remarked. He added that such adversities should be taken as reminders for people to turn towards God and seek blessings.
The NC leader also connected the issue to wider global crises, drawing attention to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. “Look at what is happening in Gaza today, where thousands are dying. Is any Muslim country raising its voice on it?” he asked.
On the highway closure’s impact on the apple industry, Abdullah acknowledged the hardships faced by growers but emphasized that natural disasters are beyond human control. He urged people to maintain patience, place faith in God, and avoid unnecessary blame games.
The Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, considered the Valley’s lifeline, had remained closed for weeks due to landslides and inclement weather, severely affecting the transportation of fruit-laden trucks.
