Shopian (J&K): Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and Member of Parliament from Srinagar, Dr Farooq Abdullah on Thursday urged the people of Kashmir to pray for the stability of Pakistan, which remains on the edge after the arrest of former premier Imran Khan in a corruption case on Tuesday.
The National Conference President was speaking at the death anniversary of party leader Sheikh Muhammad Mansoor at Vehil in south Kashmir's Shoipan district. While referring to the volatile situation in neighbouring country Pakistan in the wake of the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, Farooq said, "This country (Pakistan) is going through such a crisis that it is uncertain whether the country continues to exist or not”.
"The country is currently in the worst situation and grapples with disasters one after the other," he said while asking people to pray for the stability of Pakistan. "Pray to Almighty to have mercy on this country because the stronger that country remains, the better it would be for us," the National Conference president said.
On the occasion, Farooq also asked the people to take care of themselves and their wards. Meanwhile, in an unexpected attack on the Indian intelligence agency, the Intelligence Bureau (IB), the National Conference President claimed that the agency had recruited 15000 local youngsters to become their informers.
"The IB is giving money to our youngsters. Fifteen thousand youngsters have been recruited who are being paid monthly," he said. "These youngsters think that receiving money from IB will continue forever. They don't know they will be killed like others are being killed," Farooq added in an apparent reference to the killings of militants in encounters with security forces.
Farooq however did not elaborate on his allegations against the IB. “Be cautious and keep a watch on your wards. And strengthen the party (NC). If the party is strong, everything will be strong,” he said. Farooq also dwelt on the prevailing inclement weather in Kashmir. “There was rain and hailstorm on your orchards. This is all because of our sins,” he said.
Pertinently, Pakistan remains on the edge after the Pakistani Rangers arrested former PM and PTI chief Imran Khan in a violent raid at a court in Islamabad where he was to appear in another case. Violent protests have gripped the country ever since Khan's arrest. The country's powerful army was on Thursday seen patrolling the roads to maintain law and order.
Read: 'Go to hell': Farooq Abdullah's response to scribes on Mehbooba passport question
