West Asia situation affecting everyone peace efforts need of the hour NC chief Abdullah

Srinagar, Nov 7 (PTI) National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah on Saturday expressed concern over the situation in West Asia, saying the ongoing tensions in the region were affecting people across the world.

     Abdullah, in a statement, said the lack of unity and consensus among Muslim countries was creating difficulties for ordinary citizens, with the situation in the Arab world also disrupting travel and daily life.

     Pilgrims travelling to and from Saudi Arabia for performing Umrah, who previously required approximately six hours for their journey, were now facing travel difficulties that could extend the journey to as long as 24 hours, he said.

     The three-time chief minister emphasised that, in the prevailing global circumstances, promoting peace, unity, mutual understanding and the spirit of humanity was the need of the hour.

     He also expressed concern over the growing social evils, particularly the increasing trend of drug abuse, and hoped that people would come together to play an active role in the fight against drugs.

     He also expressed apprehension over the impact of excessive use of mobile phones and social media on the younger generation and said the parents and teachers should encourage youngsters to participate in positive activities.

     The NC president also said the primary duty of public representatives was to listen to people's problems and difficulties and make every effort to resolve them.

     Abdullah also visited Shivpora, Srinagar, to attend the condolence gathering held in memory of the party's senior leader and former MLC, Sheikh Ghulam Qadir Pardesi.

(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)