Don’t let the situation worsen, keep calm, J&K CM urges people

With Kashmir witnessing massive protests after the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, in a US-Israel strike, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday urged people not to let the situation deteriorate, stating it is “very important to control emotions”.

Omar, who was talking to mediapersons in Jammu on the sidelines of an event, condemned the killing of Khamenei and said it is “up to the people of Iran to decide what kind of government will be in place in Iran.”

“No international law allows for a regime change through external bombing. First, the way Iran’s Supreme Leader was brutally assassinated, along with his family members. Tell me, which law gave permission to America or Israel to do this?” he said. He said, “Then what Russia did in Ukraine is also right. What other countries do is also right.”

While condemning the attack on Iran, the Chief Minister said he “requests and appeals” to the people in Jammu and Kashmir to “not let the situation deteriorate”.

“Some people are trying to interfere and spoil the atmosphere. News of such incidents have started coming from some places. I don’t want the police or the central paramilitary forces to misuse their power. And if people get injured or God forbid someone dies, then it will be a very sad thing,” he said.

He added, “I can understand their emotions. I can understand their anger. But in these circumstances, it is very important to control your emotions.”

Responding to another question about permission granted for celebrations and not mourning at Srinagar’s Lal Chowk, the Chief Minister also said if permission is granted “for celebrations, then there should also be permission for mourning.” Srinagar’s Clock Tower at Lal Chowk had become the focal point of demonstrations on Sunday, but was sealed on Monday.

“Unfortunately, there are people who are taking the law into their own hands. Since yesterday, there have been reports that there has been stone-throwing at some places,” he said.

On a question about Kashmiri students studying in Iran, Omar said the government has maintained a very close contact with the Ministry of External Affairs. “Most of our students or other people in Iran have been shifted to safer areas. Some of our final-year students are not willing to leave the hospitals. I would like to request them to follow the guidelines and advice of the embassy,” he said.

The Chief Minister also said “war is not good for anyone.” “Israel and America attacked Iran. That is wrong in itself. But the reaction that Iran did after that — attack on UAE, Saudi Arabia, other Gulf countries…that is also wrong in itself. Now, this war is spreading instead of stopping,” he said, adding that war is not a solution to any problem.

He added, “If the people of Iran are not happy with the Government of Iran, only the people of Iran have the right to change that government. They can change it in any way they want.”