Do not view every Kashmiri Muslim with suspicion, says Omar amid terror probe

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday urged the Union government and the public not to view every Kashmiri Muslim with suspicion in the wake of the recently unearthed terror module. He stressed that while those involved in terrorist activities must face strict action, innocent people should not be unfairly targeted.

Speaking to the media after visiting a hospital to meet those injured in the accidental blast at Nowgam Police Station, Abdullah said he had raised the issue during the North Zone Chief Ministers’ Conference as well. “The Union Home Minister, Union Home Secretary, Chief Ministers of the northern states, Governors, and L-Gs were present. I appealed to them not to see every person from J&K—especially every Kashmiri Muslim—with suspicion,” he said.

His remarks come days after a blast near the Red Fort in Delhi on November 10, where an explosives-laden car killed and injured several people. The vehicle was reportedly driven by Dr Umer-un-Nabi, a resident of Pulwama in Kashmir.

Referring to the Nowgam blast, Abdullah said investigations were underway. “I hope the probe will answer the questions people are asking—how such a large quantity of explosives was brought here, stored, and handled. These questions will be answered gradually,” he said.

He added that those involved in the terror module, particularly in the Delhi incident, must be arrested and given stringent punishment. However, he cautioned against widening suspicion to those who have no involvement in such activities. “Innocent people who have consistently raised their voice against violence should not be brought into this ambit,” he said.

Abdullah later visited the families of the victims who lost their lives in the Nowgam Police Station explosion. He met the families of Late Aijaz Afzal Mir at HMT Zainakote, Late Mohammad Amin Mir at Bemina, Late Showkat Ahmad Bhat at Qamarwari, Late Suhail Ahmad Rather at Natipora, and Late Mohammad Shafi Paray at Wanabal.

“This tragic incident has taken away dedicated individuals who were serving the people with sincerity and courage. Their loss is a loss for all of Jammu and Kashmir,” Abdullah said. He assured the families that the government stands firmly with them. “We will ensure every possible support to the bereaved families in this hour of unimaginable pain.”

Meanwhile, senior CPM leader and Kulgam MLA MY Tarigami expressed concern that students and workers from J&K in other parts of the country were facing harassment. “The situation has created fear among the younger generation studying across India. Students should not be dragged into this. The country must ensure a sense of security for them instead of exposing them to intimidation or suspicion,” Tarigami said.