Following the brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam, National Conference (NC) chief Farooq Abdullah on Saturday issued a strong condemnation and called for national unity in the face of terrorism. Speaking to media, the former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister sent a heartfelt message to the victims, describing the atrocity as the final straw: “Ab ghada bhar gaya hai.”
“This brutality must end,” Abdullah stated, adding, “Those who kill in the name of religion are not human. They claim to be Muslims, but they are not. We share the pain of that bride who was married six days ago, of that child who saw his father soaked in blood. We cried with them. We couldn’t eat. This is a wound on humanity.”
He firmly rejected any alignment with Pakistan, declaring, “We have never been Pakistani. Kashmir is the crown of India, and it will remain so.”
A Call for Retaliation and Unity
Farooq Abdullah declared that sacrifices made by the victims will not go in vain and urged the Centre to act decisively. “It’s time to uproot terrorism from its roots. They have tried to break us for 35 years but failed every time — and they will never succeed.”
He cited the resilience of tourists in Pahalgam as a source of courage, recalling children telling him, “Uncle, we are here to stand with you.” Abdullah appealed to the entire nation to visit Kashmir in solidarity: “Come and give a strong answer to terrorism and to that nation that harbours it.”
Criticism of the Indus Waters Treaty
Abdullah also seized the moment to criticise the Indus Waters Treaty, arguing that Jammu and Kashmir was not consulted during its signing and has suffered disproportionately due to its constraints. “We can’t build power stations or take a bucket of water without permission,” he lamented.
Urging the Centre to revisit water-sharing agreements, he said, “We’ve warned Pakistan we may stop the water — not to kill them, but because we are not as cruel as them. Look at what they’ve done to Balochistan and Sindh. They couldn’t save themselves and are now trying to destroy us.”
Reassurance Ahead of the Amarnath Yatra
Looking ahead to the Amarnath Yatra, Abdullah reassured devotees: “He [Lord Amarnath] is here to protect us. Only those who do not have Him in their hearts will feel fear. Everyone should come and seek blessings from Bhole Baba.”
Urging Responsible Dialogue
On a different note, when asked about Congress leader Charanjeet Singh Channi’s controversial remarks, Abdullah responded: “This is not the time for divisive talk. Let’s first defeat the enemy, and then debate among ourselves.”
In a time of mourning, Farooq Abdullah’s message was both a call to unity and a cry for action — a powerful reminder that India must stand together to confront terror with resolve, empathy, and strength.