SRINAGAR, MARCH 04: In the wake of the prevailing situation in West Asia following the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday held an interaction with religious scholars, civil society members and representatives of trade and business bodies at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC).
The meeting was attended by Minister Sakina Itoo, Minister Javaid Ahmad Dar, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, several Members of the Legislative Assembly from across Kashmir, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg, IGP Kashmir V.K. Birdi, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Akshay Labroo and other senior officers of the divisional and district administration.
Prominent members of civil society, including religious leaders, social activists, retired bureaucrats, academics, educationists and representatives of trade bodies, participated in the interaction convened in the backdrop of the concerning situation in West Asia and its possible aftermath in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in the Valley.
The Chief Minister listened attentively to the concerns and suggestions raised by the participants and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to maintaining peace and ensuring the smooth functioning of essential services.
Participants expressed deep concern over the developments in the West Asia region, which have engulfed several countries, and conveyed their sympathies to those who lost their loved ones, particularly in the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several of his family members.
During the discussion, the attendees urged the administration to adopt a sympathetic and understanding approach while allowing mourning gatherings, ensuring that public order is maintained. They also called for the release of detainees held in recent days and stressed the need for uninterrupted supply chains and proper functioning of key sectors such as health and power.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister expressed his grief and condolences over the loss of lives in Iran. He stated that the killing of the Iranian Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, “cannot be described in words.” Recalling his visits twice to Iran as Minister of State for External Affairs Minister, GoI and as Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s Special Envoy, Chief Minister said that the late Iranian leader was a friend of India and a true sympathiser of the people of Kashmir.
The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and harmony in Jammu and Kashmir while respecting the sentiments of the people and ensuring that expressions of grief remain peaceful and responsible.
Highlighting the purpose of the interaction, he said it was intended to collectively express pain and sorrow over the recent developments 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.
He underscored the role of the administration and religious organisations in ensuring a peaceful atmosphere and stressed that no one should be harmed during mourning gatherings.
Regarding recent detentions and the filing of cases, the Chief Minister assured the participants that he would take up the matter at the highest level.
Responding to the issue of evacuation of Kashmiri students stranded in Iran, he said he has been in constant touch with the Ministry of External Affairs regarding their safety and safe return. He informed that the students are being shifted to safer locations as a precautionary measure.
On essential supplies, the Chief Minister directed Deputy Commissioners to closely monitor stock and supply positions to prevent overpricing or hoarding and appealed to the public to bring any grievances to the notice of the administration.
Earlier, the meeting began with condolences over the demise of Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei, followed by Fateha prayers for those who lost their lives in the recent developments in Iran.
