Politics

Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, during an interaction with religious scholars, civil society members, and representatives of trade and business bodies at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC), condemned the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The meeting was organised in view of the prevailing situation in West Asia to hold detailed deliberations with prominent members of civil society, including religious leaders, social activists, retired bureaucrats, academics, educationists, and representatives of trade bodies, against the backdrop of the escalating war in the region and its possible impact on Jammu and Kashmir, particularly the Valley. The Chief Minister listened attentively to the concerns and suggestions raised by the participants and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to maintaining peace and ensuring the smooth functioning of essential services. Participants expressed deep concern over the developments in West Asia, which have engulfed several countries, and conveyed their sympathies to those who lost their loved ones, particularly in the targeted killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several of his family members. During the meeting, attendees urged the administration to deal with protesters and mourners with sympathy and understanding, while allowing peaceful gatherings to express grief and ensuring that public order is maintained. They also called for the release of detainees held in recent days and the quashing of FIRs against youth who took to the streets to mourn the death of their spiritual leader. Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister expressed his grief and condolences over the loss of lives in Iran. He said that the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei “cannot be described in words.” He described the late leader as a true sympathiser of the people of Kashmir and said that he had always maintained cordial relations with India. Recalling his two visits to Iran—first as Minister of State for External Affairs in the Government of India and later as Special Envoy of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee—Omar Abdullah said that India’s ties with Iran have always been cordial. He reiterated that the late Iranian Supreme Leader was a friend of India and a well-wisher of the people of Kashmir. The Chief Minister emphasised the importance of maintaining peace and harmony in Jammu and Kashmir while respecting public sentiments. He urged people to ensure that expressions of grief remain peaceful and responsible. Highlighting the purpose of the interaction, he said it was intended to collectively express pain and sorrow over recent developments and to make a joint appeal for peace. He called for collective condemnation, collective condolence, and a shared commitment to maintaining calm during the mourning period. He underscored the role of the administration and religious organisations in ensuring a peaceful atmosphere and stressed that no one should be harmed during condolence gatherings. Regarding recent detentions and the filing of cases, the Chief Minister assured participants that he would take up the matter at the highest level to adopt a soft and lenient approach. He said he did not want the youth, in particular, to put themselves in harm’s way. Responding to the issue of evacuating Kashmiri students stranded in Iran, he said he has been in constant touch with the Ministry of External Affairs regarding their safety and return. He informed that students are being shifted to safer locations for onward travel by land, as flights remain cancelled in the region. He added that while some interns were reluctant to return, others had been cautioned by their medical colleges that leaving could result in the loss of an academic year. The Chief Minister assured that concerned authorities in Iran would be approached through diplomatic channels to ensure that students opting to return to India are not penalised. Some civil society members also raised concerns about a rise in prices of essential commodities and petrol, stressing the need for uninterrupted supply chains and the proper functioning of key sectors such as health and power. On essential supplies, the Chief Minister directed Deputy Commissioners to closely monitor stock and supply positions to prevent overpricing and hoarding. He also appealed to the public to report any grievances to the administration. Earlier, the meeting began with condolences over the demise of Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei, followed by Fateha prayers for the Supreme Leader of Iran, schoolgirls, and others who lost their lives in the strikes on Iran. Several religious leaders and civil society members spoke to express their sentiments and concerns. The meeting was attended by Minister Sakina Itoo, Minister Javaid Ahmad Dar, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Members of the Legislative Assembly from across Kashmir, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg, IGP Kashmir V.K. Birdi, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Akshay Labroo, and other senior officers of the divisional and district administration.

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