Srinagar: National Conference president Farooq Abdullah has expressed serious concerns over the rising tensions between India and Pakistan, cautioning that any escalation could have severe repercussions not only for military personnel but also for civilians on both sides of the border.

Addressing reporters in Srinagar, Abdullah highlighted ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalating the situation. He noted that while hostilities appear to be intensifying, it remains to be seen how effective international powers will be in mitigating the crisis. Abdullah emphasized the importance of supporting peace initiatives during these challenging times.

Reacting to the repatriation of Pakistani nationals from India after the Pahalgam incident, Abdullah criticized the measure as lacking humanity. He acknowledged the significant security and intelligence lapses related to the incident but argued that collective punishment was not a viable solution.

Abdullah also raised alarms about a prevailing anti-Muslim sentiment in India, expressing concern over what he described as systematic efforts to undermine Muslim identity. He pointed to a decade-long campaign that he claims targets Muslims and their places of worship, adding to the community’s existing struggles.