Restoration of statehood to J-K first step towards rebuilding democratic institutions: Farooq

National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah on Thursday said the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir is an indispensable first step towards rebuilding democratic institutions and restoring the constitutional and democratic rights of the people.

Abdullah made these remarks while addressing a gathering here.

The three-time chief minister described the restoration of statehood as one of the "most urgent necessities" before J-K.

"Restoration of statehood is an indispensable first step towards rebuilding democratic institutions and restoring the constitutional and democratic rights of the people," he said.

He also expressed concern over continuing wars, violence, oppression, human rights violations and excessive use of force in Palestine, Lebanon, Iran and other parts of the world.

"The continued killing and targeting of innocent children, women and elderly people is deeply tragic and a grave concern for humanity," he said.

The NC president expressed alarm over the destruction of hospitals, schools, universities, power stations and other essential infrastructure, saying that human values, democratic principles and international law were being undermined with impunity.

The killing of civilians and violation of fundamental human rights anywhere in the world could not be justified or accepted, he said, and called upon global powers to uphold universal principles and refrain from applying double standards when responding to conflicts and humanitarian crises.

Over the lack of unity and coordination among Muslim countries, Abdullah said the absence of collective action within the Muslim world was ultimately impacting the poor and ordinary people.

He appealed to Muslim countries to rise above their differences, strengthen mutual cooperation and solidarity, and speak collectively for the protection of oppressed communities as well as every innocent human being facing violence and persecution.