Farooq expresses concern over drone incident near Mecca

Srinagar, Sep 17 : National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah on Thursday expressed deep concern and anguish over the drone incident near the Holy city of Mecca, saying it has the potential to hurt the sentiments of Muslims across the world.

In a statement, Abdullah said the sanctity and honour of the Haramain Sharifain are deeply connected with the faith and sentiments of the entire Muslim Ummah and must not be put at risk under any circumstances.

“The incident near the holy city is deeply disturbing and has the potential to hurt the sentiments of Muslims across the world,” the three-time Jammu and Kashmir chief minister said.

“Mecca Mukarramah and Madinah Munawwarah are not merely sacred places in Saudi Arabia but hold unparalleled religious significance for Muslims across the globe. The Holy Kaaba is the Qibla of Muslims, while Masjid-e-Nabawi occupies a place of extraordinary reverence in their hearts,” he said.

Ensuring the safety and security of these sacred sites, protecting pilgrims and devotees performing Hajj and Umrah, and maintaining peace and tranquillity are matters of fundamental importance to the entire Muslim world, he added.

The NC chief said that West Asia is already facing prolonged wars, tensions and humanitarian crises, and in such circumstances, further military confrontation cannot provide a lasting solution to the region’s problems.

He called for resolving differences and disputes among Muslims through dialogue and diplomatic means rather than the use of force.