Srinagar, July 30, 2026 : National Conference (NC) President Dr. Farooq Abdullah on Thursday urged the Central Government and the international community, including the United Nations Human Rights mechanisms, to take note of the reported killings and hardships faced by people in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) and push for action to address the situation.
Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, Abdullah said he had repeatedly appealed to the United Nations Human Rights Commission, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar to intervene and highlight the concerns of the people living in PoJK.
Calls for Attention to PoJK Situation
Abdullah said the Centre frequently describes PoJK as an integral part of India but questioned why it does not publicly raise concerns over the reported killings and alleged human rights issues there.
He urged the government to speak out against the violence and ensure that the matter receives international attention.
Remarks on Tourism & Illegal Hotels
Responding to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha’s remarks regarding illegal hotels in Jammu and Kashmir, the NC president defended the growth of accommodation facilities, saying tourism had generated employment and reduced dependence on government jobs.
He recalled a time when visitors had to spend nights in taxis, private vehicles and even on roads due to the shortage of accommodation, adding that expanding tourism infrastructure has benefited the local economy.
Criticism Over Post-Pahalgam Actions
Commenting on the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, Abdullah criticised the reported arrests of large numbers of people and the demolition of properties, questioning the accountability behind such actions.
Support for Student Protests
Referring to the ongoing Common Job Portal (CJP) protest at Jantar Mantar, Abdullah said the agitation could intensify if the government fails to fulfil the assurances given to protesting students and continues registering FIRs against them and those who supported their demonstrations.
He also commented on student protests in Bihar, saying the movement was likely to continue and expressing support for the youth raising their voices.
Calls for Stronger Fight Against Drugs
The NC chief praised senior party leader Mubarak Gul for launching an anti-drug campaign nearly 49 years ago, describing it as a visionary initiative.
He stressed the need to educate students, teachers and society about the dangers of drug addiction and called for stricter investigations against those involved in narcotics trafficking to safeguard the future of the younger generation.
Dr. Abdullah said protecting youth from drug abuse should remain a collective responsibility and urged authorities to intensify efforts to dismantle drug trafficking networks.
