National Conference president and former Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah on Monday warned that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East could spiral into a global economic crisis if not contained.
Expressing concern over US strikes on Iran, Abdullah said he hoped world powers were closely monitoring the situation.
“If this conflict escalates, the economic condition of every country will deteriorate. They should make efforts to stop it, and I pray they succeed . Our condition in India is also very bad,” Abdullah told reporters in Srinagar.
The veteran leader said the United States has long maintained a policy of preventing Iran from becoming a nuclear power.
He also issued a stark warning to Arab nations, suggesting they could be next in line for similar attacks.
“All the Sunni countries oppose the attack on Iran, but they lack the courage to speak out. Today they think only Iran has been targeted, but I am warning them — one day, Israel will attack them too,” he said.
“They want their oil and gas. Israel is only standing in front while as America is standing right behind,” Abdullah added.
On the domestic front, Abdullah strongly refuted media reports claiming that the Centre is considering restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood only after fresh elections under a new framework.
He accused sections of the media of spreading misinformation.
“Statehood is the rightful claim of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. It is not a favour to them,” he asserted.
In a separate development, Abdullah announced the formation of a Human Rights Wing within the National Conference. The wing will be headed by retired Justice Hasnain Masoodi, the sitting MLA from Pampore. He will be assisted by two other members yet to be named.
