PM Modi can play decisive role in ending Iran conflict: CM

Jammu, Mar 30: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi can play a decisive role in ending the ongoing conflict involving Iran, citing his good relations with all countries.

A news gathering agency KNS reported that speaking to reporters outside the Legislative Assembly, CM Omar said the Prime Minister was uniquely positioned to mediate given India’s diplomatic ties with all stakeholders in West Asia.

“The role that the Prime Minister can play in this is something that no one else can play because he has good relations with all these countries,” he said.

The CM also criticised US President Donald Trump over his approach to the issue.

“If Trump does such a foolish thing, knowing that no one has ruled Iran for decades, it will not be that easy,” he said.

CM Omar called for an immediate end to the hostilities.

“Whatever is happening should be ended here itself. A ceasefire should be declared and this war should end,” he said. The CM said Pakistan was leveraging its own ties with Iran and the US.

“Pakistan is taking advantage of its good relations with Iran and the US. Now they have taken it. How can we object? We want the war to stop,” he said.

CM Omar expressed hope that the Opposition would emerge victorious in the upcoming assembly elections in four states and one Union Territory, though he said the final mandate rests with the people.

“Our BJP colleagues from Jammu and Kashmir are travelling to other states for campaigning, while we are sitting here. What should happen and what will happen, we will see,” he said about the likely electoral outcome.

Highlighting the prevalence of alliance politics, the CM pointed to the BJP’s tie-up with the Asom Gana Parishad in Assam, and the rival coalitions involving the BJP-AIADMK, DMK-Congress and Left fronts in Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

“We would want the Opposition to win all five elections, including Puducherry, though the final decision rests with the people,” he said.