Srinagar, Mar 4: In the wake of the recent developments in West Asia following the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah held an interaction with religious scholars, civil society members, and representatives of trade and business bodies at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC).
Prominent members of civil society, including religious leaders, social activists, retired bureaucrats, academics, educationists, and trade representatives, attended the meeting amid concerns over the escalating situation in West Asia and its possible implications for Jammu and Kashmir, particularly Kashmir.
CM Omar listened attentively to participants’ concerns and suggestions and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to maintaining peace and ensuring the smooth functioning of essential services.
The attendees expressed deep concern over the developments in West Asia and conveyed sympathies to those who lost their lives, particularly in the assassination of Supreme Leader Khamenei and several family members.
Participants urged the administration to treat protesters and mourners with understanding, allowing them to express grief while ensuring public order. They also called for the release of detainees and the withdrawal of FIRs against youth who were out on the streets only to mourn.
Speaking on the occasion, CM Omar expressed grief and condolences over the loss of lives in Iran, describing Khamenei’s killing as “indescribable.” He recalled the Supreme Leader’s cordial relations with India and sympathy for the people of Kashmir.
Recalling his visits to Iran as Minister of State for External Affairs and as Special Envoy of PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the CM highlighted the historically strong ties between India and Iran.
He emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and harmony in J&K while respecting public sentiment and urged that expressions of grief remain peaceful and responsible.
Highlighting the purpose of the interaction, CM Omar said it was intended to collectively express sorrow over the recent events and to make a joint appeal for peace. He called for collective condemnation, collective condolence, and a joint commitment to maintaining calm during the mourning period.
The CM underscored the role of the administration and religious organizations in ensuring a peaceful atmosphere and stressed that no one should be harmed during condolence gatherings.
Regarding recent detentions and FIRs, he assured participants that he would take up the matter at the highest level to adopt a soft and lenient approach, adding that he does not want youth to put themselves at risk.
On the issue of Kashmiri students stranded in Iran, he said he has been in constant touch with the Ministry of External Affairs regarding their safety and return. Students are being moved to safer locations for onward travel by land as flights remain cancelled. The CM assured that college authorities in Iran would be requested not to penalize students who wish to return to India.
Some civil society members raised concerns about rising prices of essentials and petrol, stressing the need for uninterrupted supply chains and proper functioning of key sectors such as health and power. CM Omar directed Deputy Commissioners to closely monitor stock and supply positions to prevent overpricing or hoarding and appealed to the public to report grievances to the administration.
The meeting began with condolences for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, followed by Fateha prayers for the Supreme Leader, schoolgirls, and others who lost their lives in strikes on Iran.
The meeting was attended by Ministers Sakina Itoo and Javaid Ahmad Dar, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, MLAs from across Kashmir, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg, IGP Kashmir Vidhi Kumar Birdi, and DC Srinagar Akshay Labroo.
Several religious leaders and civil society members spoke to express their sentiments and concerns, including Molvi Imran Ansari, Aga Syed Mehmood, MLA Ali Muhammad Sagar, MLA Tanvir Sadiq, Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi, Syed Shakeel Qalandar, Muhammad Yaseen Khan, Mushtaq Chaya, Aga Syed Mudasir Rizvi, Khurshid Ahmad Ganai, Tanvir Jehan, Dr Dechen Paljor, Jaspal Singh, Ghulam Nabi Var, MLA Mubarak Gul, Nasir Shah, Manzoor Pakhtoon, Shamim Ahmad Shah, Maulana Maqbool Hussain, Dr A G Ahangar, and Iqram Shafie. (Agency)
