Omar appeals for calm amid strikes on Iran, protests in J&K over Khamenei’s death
Destabilising development: Farooq on middle east crisis
STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday said that the Government of Jammu & Kashmir is in close coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, to ensure the safety and well-being of J&K residents, including students, currently in Iran.
Protests broke out in several parts of the Union Territory on Sunday against the killing of Khamenei in a US-Israel strike, officials said.
Thousands of protestors took to streets at various places in areas with large Shia population in most parts of Kashmir and a few pockets in Jammu, including Bhatindi in the outskirts of the city and Chanderkote in Ramban district, they said. In Jammu, protesters, largely women, took out candle march late evening at Wazarat Road chanting, slogans against the USA and Israel.
Expressing deep concern over the unfolding events in Iran, particularly the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, the Chief Minister appealed to all communities to uphold peace and maintain calm.
“I am deeply concerned about the unfortunate developments in Iran, including the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. I appeal to all communities to remain calm, uphold peace, and avoid any actions that could lead to tension or unrest,” he said.
The Chief Minister further emphasized that those mourning the killing must be allowed to grieve peacefully.
“We must ensure that people in Jammu and Kashmir who are mourning are allowed to do so peacefully. The police and civil administration should exercise utmost restraint and refrain from using force or unnecessary restrictive measures,” he added.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to the safety of residents abroad, he said, “The Government of Jammu & Kashmir remains in close coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs to safeguard the interests and well-being of our residents in Iran.”
Meanwhile, National Conference president Farooq Abdullah expressed “profound anguish” over the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in joint strikes by the US and Israel.
“Abdullah has strongly denounced the act, describing it as a tragic and destabilising development with serious implications for peace and stability in the region,” the ruling National Conference (NC) said in a statement here.
The former chief minister said such incidents deepen uncertainty and grief, and underscored the urgent need for wisdom, restraint and adherence to the principles of justice and international law. Abdullah appealed for calm and urged the administration to handle the situation with sensitivity and discretion, ensuring that those who wish to mourn are able to do so respectfully, without fear or undue restrictions, while maintaining public order.
