Continued escalation will hurt only Pakistan: Omar

Warning Pakistan that continued escalation from across the border would only hurt them, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah called Thursday’s aerial strikes on Jammu one of the “most serious assaults” on the city since the 1971 war.

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Clarifying the current situation, the chief minister said, “We did not create this situation. Our people were attacked in Pahalgam, and innocent civilians were killed. We had to respond.” He said that Pakistan should focus on de-escalation amid the ongoing military conflict in the wake of Operation Sindoor.

Omar had rushed to Jammu on Friday morning to assess the situation following heightened tensions, drone attacks in Jammu, and intense shelling in the border districts. With airports closed, he travelled to Jammu by road early in the morning.

He visited several camps and lodgement centers in the Jammu and Samba districts—including Mishriwala, Nagbani, Bishnah, and Thandi Khui—to review the relief arrangements made for civilians evacuated to these shelters.

Speaking to reporters in Vijaypur, Samba, the CM remarked, “The way our civilians have been targeted, and the kind of attacks carried out in Jammu city—I don’t think Jammu has witnessed such aggression since the 1971 war.”

He added that multiple locations in Jammu, and even an ammunition depot in Anantnag, were among the targets, but all attempts failed.

He commended the armed forces for their swift and effective response in neutralising aerial threats, ensuring that no drone reached its intended target.

Directing the administration to stay alert and responsive to emerging needs, the Chief Minister stated, “All efforts shall be made to ensure that essential services and relief are provided to the people during this difficult time.”

The Chief Minister also held discussions with senior district officials to evaluate the overall situation and ongoing relief efforts, reiterating the government’s strong commitment to the safety and welfare of all affected citizens.

He expressed deep sorrow over the loss of civilian lives due to relentless shelling in the border areas, particularly in Poonch district, which recorded the highest number of casualties and injuries.

He informed the press that the injured are being treated at Government Medical College, Jammu, while those seriously wounded have been referred to Chandigarh for advanced medical care.

Omar emphasised that India reserved the right to defend its people and territory with full force.