CM Omar bats for release of people arrested in Kashmir during protests on Iran

Jammu, Mar 7: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday advocated the release of people arrested in Kashmir valley, following protests against the killing of Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Syed Ali Khamenei by US-Israel forces.

He stated that he had conveyed (to the concerned quarter) the demands of civil society i.e., compassionate approach; review of FIRs and release of detainees. CM Omar asserted that he would further request for a positive initiative on those accounts, after there was visible improvement in the situation in Kashmir.

He was responding to media queries after presiding over the event “Linemen Day”, organised by the Jammu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (JPDCL) at Convention Centre, Jammu.

“Few days ago, during an interaction with the members of the civil society, it (release of arrested youth) was among two major issues brought to the fore (by the participants). One of the demands was that the government means – the law and order machinery (law executing agencies)- should adopt a lenient approach in the cases where FIRs were registered and secondly, in the cases where arrests were made, those people should be released,” CM Omar stated, while responding to a question about the demand for the release of youth arrested in Kashmir valley during protests erupted post Iran developments.

“Now as the civil society has raised these points. We have conveyed their issues to the concerned quarter. Now we will request them (Lieutenant Governor) that as the situation has improved now, they should take the desired initiative on this account (release of detainees),” the Chief Minister affirmed.

When his comment was sought about the coercive way being adopted to effect regime change (by America) as US President Donald Trump called Iran to “completely surrender”, the Chief Minister reiterated his earlier stance that only the people of Iran reserved that right (to effect regime change in their country).

“As I said earlier, the only people who get to choose their regime are the people who live in that country. Therefore, it is for the people of Iran to decide about their regime; not for somebody sitting in Washington DC or Tel Aviv; New Delhi or Beijing or anywhere else. It is for the people of Iran to decide what sort of government they want and how they want to bring about that change. I think the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom was absolutely correct. You cannot affect regime change by aerial bombardment,” CM Omar asserted.

“And in this desire to bring about a change of government, they even sacrificed the life of a religious leader. The regime of Iran is headed by the President. He is still alive. They have not changed the regime. They have sacrificed the life of a religious leader whose leadership is acknowledged not just by the Shia community but by Muslim across the world. That is not regime change. That is a gross misuse of force and violation of every single international law that we know of,” the Chief Minister remarked.

With regard to a question about Nepal elections and the emergence of a new force led by Gen Z leaders there, CM Omar described it as a positive development as change was brought through democratic means by the citizens of Nepal.

“This is a good development. This is what I’ve just stated. Who decided about the (formation of) government in Nepal? The people of Nepal, themselves! Like earlier in Bangladesh, who decided about the government there? Again, the people of Bangladesh, who elected their new government. Similarly, the people of Iran reserve the right to take a decision about the government they want. In Nepal, the people have elected a young leader as their Prime Minister, who was earlier Mayor of Kathmandu. Now the responsibility of the entire country has been put on his shoulders. He has been entrusted with the charge to hold reins of the country,” he stated.

While lauding the democratic change in Nepal, the Chief Minister remarked, “It is good. Now we only hope that they (the new regime) share good ties with the neighbouring countries. It will be in the wider interest.”

Responding to a query about the T-20 world cup final to be played on March 8, he hoped for a massive victory for India.

“We hope that India will win again and it will register a massive win. In the previous match against England (in the semi-final), we experienced heart-stopping moments as it was a very close game. India won by seven runs. We pray for a magnificent win for our country with a handsome margin,” the Chief Minister stated.

CM Omar refused to make any comment on the statement of his father and National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah criticising the central government for allowing the US to decide on its (India’s) behalf vis-à-vis purchase of Russian oil.

“Farooq Sahib made a statement on his behalf and on behalf of all of us. There is no need to make a further comment on that,” he said.