Srinagar, May 12 National Conference President and former J&K Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah on Monday expressed concern over the growing fuel and gas crisis, warning that continued global tensions, particularly between Iran and the United States, could worsen the situation and severely impact people across the country.
Addressing reporters, Abdullah said the current crisis was affecting everyday life and could push the region towards serious difficulties if not addressed in time.
"We are facing a fuel crisis and a gas crisis, and we are heading towards destruction. This is the reality," he said.
The NC chief also spoke about the impact of the crisis on education, saying authorities were being forced to shut down schools, while poor families were struggling due to the lack of proper online learning facilities.
"They want to shut down the schools. Unfortunately, there is no proper facility for online learning here. Poor people do not have access to facilities and resources, so it becomes very difficult for them. Education is important, which is why we need to think seriously and find a way forward," he said.
Abdullah further warned that if tensions between Iran and America escalated further, the consequences could be severe.
"If this crisis does not stop, and if the conflict between Iran and America does not end, then only God knows what our condition will become in the future," he remarked.
On the debate around prohibition and liquor sales, Abdullah said banning alcohol entirely would not stop consumption, as people would continue to procure it from outside.
"Those who drink alcohol will continue to drink. If they do not get it here, they will bring it from outside," he said.
Recalling a past political episode, Abdullah recalled an incident involving the then Prime Minister Morarji Desai and his father, Sheikh Abdullah, after the 1977 elections.
"He had asked my father to impose prohibition. My father replied that if the Centre compensated for the revenue earned through liquor sales, then prohibition could be implemented," Abdullah said.
He added that even today, if the Union government compensates states for the revenue generated through liquor sales, prohibition could be enforced immediately.
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