Srinagar, Feb 23: Amid escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Tuesday issued an urgent appeal to Kashmiri students pursuing education in Iran, advising them to return home immediately without waiting for the situation to deteriorate further.
Speaking to reporters here, the former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister as per Kashmir Convener expressed deep concern for the safety of students from the region, warning that any delay could precipitate a crisis. “I want to tell the children of Jammu and Kashmir that they should leave immediately,” he said.
Dr Farooq cautioned that families would be pushed into panic if airspace in the region is shut down due to escalating hostilities. “Otherwise, what will happen tomorrow when the airspace is closed there? Then their parents, their fathers, everyone will start shouting. It is better that they leave before the shouting starts,” he said.
He underscored the critical window of opportunity available now, warning that evacuation might become impossible once the situation worsens. “Then there will be no one to evacuate them,” he added.
Emphasising that government advisories have already been issued, Dr Farooq urged students not to delay their departure. “Now that the advisory has been issued, they should pack up their beds there and leave and return home,” he said.
On J&K cricket team
Reacting to the ongoing performance of the Jammu and Kashmir cricket team, the former chief minister extended his blessings and congratulations. “May God grant them success. We congratulate them on reaching this far and hope that they reach the final and win,” he said.
On ‘The Kerala Story 2’
When asked about the film ‘The Kerala Story 2’, Dr Farooq Abdullah turned his attention to the media’s role in contemporary society, offering a pointed critique of declining trust in journalism.
“No brush can be applied to the media,” Abdullah said, suggesting that one cannot paint the entire media with a broad stroke. “First, the media should strengthen its own conscience.”
He asserted that the media’s credibility currently stands weakened. “Their conscience is weak. Until they strengthen their conscience, people’s trust in the media has been lost,” the National Conference president stated.
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