Hails Iran-Israel ceasefire
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, June 24 : National Conference president Farooq Abdullah today welcomed the Central Government’s approval of Rs. 10,637 crore for 19 road and tunnel projects in Jammu and Kashmir, calling it a major step toward improving all-weather connectivity and regional development.
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The infrastructure package, announced by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Monday, includes 296 km of roads and tunnels, especially benefiting remote areas near the Line of Control (LoC) that remain cut off during winters.
Key projects include the Rs. 3,830-crore Peer-Ki-Gali tunnel, which will offer all-weather access between Kashmir and the rest of the country, and the Rs. 3,330-crore Sadhana Tunnel, aimed at ensuring year-round access to Karnah, a frontier area. Other projects include a Rs. 700-crore four-lane flyover from Lal Chowk to Parimpora, Rs. 852 crore for the Zaznar-Shopian section, and Rs. 445 crore for a flyover on the Narbal-Gulmarg stretch.
Speaking to reporters in Anantnag, Abdullah praised the move but also raised concerns over the continued denial of Statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, the health of jailed separatist leaders, and rising tensions in the Middle East. “This is a very good thing. God willing, tunnels like Kapran and Wadwan will also be completed with this,” he said.
On Iran-Israel tensions, Farooq expressed relief at reports of a ceasefire. “If Iran continues to fall into this, then we will all be in enormous trouble. We will not be able to come out of this trouble,” he warned. He added, “If this ceasefire is true, then it is a good thing. Innocent people are being killed. May God keep this ceasefire.”
Welcoming pilgrims to the ongoing Amarnath Yatra, he said, “Thank God they are coming. We hope they see Bolenath with joy and go home to tell others how beautiful this place and its people are.”
However, Abdullah questioned the continued denial of Statehood: “What is the reason? Are we the enemies of India? We chose to be with this country. Pakistan was in front of us. Then why are we being denied?”
He also called for the release or medical parole of ailing separatist leader Shabir Shah. “This is about humanity. If they (political prisoners from Jammu and Kashmir) are sick, ensure proper treatment. Otherwise, if something happens in jail, the blame will fall on you,” he said. Farooq added that he supports Maulana Umar Farooq’s recent appeal on prisoner rights.
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