J&K directly impacted by unjustified aggression on Iran: CM Omar

Jammu, Mar 27: Seeking Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s intervention to end the ongoing conflict in West Asia, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Friday asserted that J&K was directly impacted by it (war) – a fallout of “unjustifiable and illegal war” imposed on Iran by US and Israel.

Certainly, it would not be objectionable to request the Prime Minister to use his good offices, leverage India’s strong diplomatic relations with key global players to help end the war and alleviate human suffering in the region, he maintained.

CM Omar was making a statement in the House on the US-Israel’s “unjustified aggression” against Iran. Condemning the assassination of Iranian supreme leader, his associates and the members of his family, the Chief Minister stated that none could justify “illegal and unpardonable forced war imposed on the country (Iran).”

“The way humanity was slaughtered in a brutal manner and the supreme leader of Iran Ayatollah Khamenei Sahib, his close associates and relatives were martyred, no words would be enough to condemn that. Unfortunately, the matter did not stop there. Even the innocent girl students in the school were killed in such a reprehensible manner – the example of which we won’t find in our recent history,” the Chief Minister remarked, referring to escalating war in the Middle East that affected lakhs of lives across the region and beyond.

CM Omar maintained that the purpose behind such senseless killings was still beyond comprehension.

“If you hear and notice the US President’s statements – it seems even he is not clear – why this war has been forced on Iran. In the morning, he (US President) talks about regime change, in the afternoon, he will shift to the Strait of Hormuz and in the evening, he refers to oil prices. There remains a lack of clarity in his mind on the continued suffering of the people of Iran over the past several weeks,” he pointed out.

Referring to the objection raised by (BJP) members in the House against discussion on the topic in the House, he emphasised that the crisis directly impacted India as well, noting that many Indian citizens, including those from Jammu and Kashmir, were stranded in Iran.

The Chief Minister stated, “Here we have been told that we should not talk in the House about anything which is not directly impacting us. But J&K’s several people, including our children (students) are stranded there. Given the scenario, it is directly touching (impacting) us.”

He also pointed to the visible effects at home, such as long queues at petrol pumps, and the emotional distress felt by people.

“All of us have been deeply hurt with the developments. As representatives of the people, we have every right to raise our concerns in this House,” he said, adding, “Although the Assembly may not be in a position to stop the war, India’s diplomatic standing places it in a unique position to contribute towards peace as is often boasted by the central government,” he said.

In the same breath, he said that there was no doubt about it that India enjoyed good relations with countries such as the United States, Israel, Iran, and other regional powers, the Chief Minister expressed confidence in the Centre’s ability to play a constructive role.

“In fact, I, myself, have witnessed the extent of friendly ties with Iran when I was the MoS External Affairs under (Atal Bihari) Vajpayee Sahib, who was heading the government. Therefore, I don’t think anyone should have any objection if we, on behalf of this House, make an appeal to the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi to use his good offices, his personal relationships and personal diplomatic channels to help bring this war to an early end,” CM Omar asserted.

He stated that ending the war would not only reduce the suffering of the people in the affected regions but also allow Iran for peaceful coexistence among nations.

The Chief Minister strongly condemned what he described as an “unjust and illegal war imposed on Iran” and expressed condolences for all those who lost their lives in the conflict, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and including his associates.

Reiterating his appeal, he said that the Government of India should make all possible efforts to end the war at the earliest, stressing that “the sooner it ends, the greater the benefit for humanity.”

Framing the issue as a humanitarian crisis rather than a religious one, he said, “It is not any one religion that is being killed — it is humanity that is being killed.”

He exuded confidence that the entire Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly would support any effort by India to play a meaningful role in bringing the conflict to an end.

Interestingly, before the Chief Minister made a statement, the House witnessed ruckus and an animated brief discussion also to decide if the issue (Iran war and condemnation) could be taken up or not. The matter was initiated by NC MLA Tanvir Sadiq.

“If you allow the Leader of the House to make a brief statement condemning the incident (assassination), the order will be restored,” he addressed the Chair.

With both sides discussing pros and cons and the rules, when the Speaker allowed the Chief Minister to speak, the latter (Omar) insisted for a clear decision.

“I can understand the mood of the House. I can see that the House is not unanimous on this issue. Either you allow a discussion so that divergent opinions on the issue come to the fore in the House. It will not be proper if I speak on behalf of the House and it is opposed (from the other side in the House). You take a call and then I’ll speak,” the Chief Minister responded to the Speaker.

BJP’s MLA Sham Sharma said, “I don’t think there is a provision of it (condemnation against aggression on Iran or discussion) as it was an international issue. The issue comes under the domain of Government of India. Both Houses of the Parliament are discussing it.” “How can the Leader of the House make a statement condemning it or discussing it here? Why should we raise a controversy?” he questioned.

Yet in response Congress MLA Nizamuddin Bhat said that it was a humanitarian issue. “The Business Rules don’t impose any such restriction if a question pertains to humanity. Secondly it is an apparent act of terrorism. And thirdly if any part of the world is impacted; any sect or section is impacted, this House has full power to express itself,” Bhat said.

National Conference’s Javid Beg questioned, “Does this House or the Leader of the House not have power to make a request to the Parliament and the Prime Minister and the External Affairs Minister of the country to intervene to stop unjustified aggression by Israel and US on one of our neighbouring countries? Will it not be proper that this House conveys a unanimous message for peace and against the unipolar power centre which arbitrarily decides democracy and regimes in other countries?”

He sought support of the opposition on the issue, rising above from the perspective of Hindu-Muslim issue. Responding to it, BJP MLA Surjit Singh Slathia asked why the House did not condemn when the Hindus were killed, burnt alive in Bangladesh. “Did you ever say in the House that it was an act against humanity?” he asked.

This enraged treasury benches and for a few seconds, the House yet again drowned in din.

Independent MLA from Thannamandi Muzaffar Iqbal Khan took exception to the statement of opposition MLA Sham Sharma.

“I’ve a bone to pick with the statement given by the Leader of Opposition that this House is not competent to discuss international issues or foreign policy. This House is fully competent as we are discussing international law, United Nations’ Charter. My submission is – Have a discussion on it and pass a resolution on it. This is a question of the United Nations Assembly and the UN Security Council; it is a question of total anarchy,” Khan said.

“This is directly impacting us also. Though at the government level, we have stated that there is no shortage of petrol or LPG but at the ground level, it does exist. Even in Jammu city, there is shortage of LPG, we too have been impacted. This is a question of genocide and we need to condemn it. The House should discuss it,” he added.

BJP MLA R S Pathania stated that the assassinated Iranian supreme leader was respected across the globe. “India has specifically issued its condemnation. If India is insisting on dialogue and diplomacy, it means something. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already presented the country’s stand in the Parliament. But to discuss the issue here is not permitted under the rules,” Pathania said, while quoting the Rule 58 and 59.

“This issue is neither primarily the concern of the government nor the administrative responsibility of this government. Hence my submission is that it should not be discussed here,” Pathania stated while quoting rules governing the resolutions, short duration discussion. Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather responded saying that the House was not passing any resolution.

“You’ve pointed out that the Government of India has condemned it. So, what is the harm if this House also condemns it?” Rather asked. His ruling that the Leader of the House could speak on the issue in the House- was welcomed by treasury benches besides PDP and independent MLAs.

National Conference’s Nazir Gurezi stated, “Speaker Sir, you have condemned it on behalf of the House, it is enough. Let’s proceed with the business of the House.”

BJP MLA Balwant Singh Mankotia asked, “The members seeking discussion or statement should tell – Under what rule, it can be discussed.”

NC MLA Tanvir Sadiq stated that it was an important issue.

“This is a religious matter. Ayatollah Syed Ali Khamenei Sahib was not a political leader. He was a religious leader for the entire Muslim fraternity. The brutal manner in which he was martyred enraged people, People in Kashmir came out on roads protesting it and because of that (protest), hundreds of our children are in jails. So, this issue directly impacts Kashmir. You have given a ruling that the Leader of the House can make a statement on it. If he speaks for a minute or so and condemns like the civil society has done or our country has done, what is the harm?” Tanvir Sadiq asked.

“Given the specific relationship of our country with Iran, if we don’t condemn it here, our coming generations will not forgive us. Please allow the Leader of the House to make a brief statement on it here,” he requested the Chair.

Nizamuddin Bhat and others endorsed his suggestion.