CM calls for peaceful expression of grief in J&K

Srinagar, Mar 4: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday urged the people of Jammu and Kashmir to maintain calm and uphold communal harmony in the wake of recent developments in West Asia that have triggered strong emotions across the region.

Speaking to reporters in Srinagar after interacting with religious leaders and members of civil society, CM Omar appreciated community leaders for issuing a joint appeal asking people to maintain peace and brotherhood during this sensitive period.

He said the collective message from religious scholars and civil society representatives was important in ensuring that public sentiment was expressed in a responsible and peaceful manner.

ìI am thankful to civil society and religious leaders who issued a common appeal asking the people of J&K to maintain peace and brotherhood and express their grief and emotions in a dignified way,î the CM said, expressing hope that the message would resonate widely among the people.

Earlier in the day, he held a meeting with religious leaders and prominent civil society members to discuss the situation following the killing of Iranís Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a US-Israel airstrike.

According to the CMís Office, participants in the meeting conveyed their concern over the developments in Iran and expressed condolences over the loss of lives.

A special Fatiha prayer was also offered for Ayatollah Khamenei and others who died in the incident.

During the interaction, CM Omar stressed the importance of preserving peace and social harmony in J&K while acknowledging the emotional response among people over the international developments.

About the case registered against National Conference (NC) Member of Parliament Aga Syed Ruhullah, he declined to comment on specific legal matters.

The CM said the issue of collective FIRs had come up during discussions and would be examined further.

Ruhullah and former Srinagar mayor Junaid Azim Mattu have  been booked for allegedly circulating false, fabricated, and misleading content on social media platforms.

CM Omar also raised concerns regarding Kashmiri students currently studying in Iran. He said while some students had expressed their willingness to remain there, others were worried about losing their academic year if they return home.

According to CM, certain medical colleges in Iran had informed students that leaving at this stage could result in the loss of an academic year.

He said the matter would be taken up with the Government of India and requested that it be raised with the Iranian authorities through diplomatic channels so that students who wish to temporarily leave the country were not academically penalised.

CM Omar said that certain restrictions imposed in parts of Kashmir would be eased gradually as the situation improves, adding that the administrationís priority was to ensure stability and prevent any law and order disturbances.

He said the government continues to receive cooperation from civil society and community leaders in maintaining peace across the region.