'Don’t Worsen The Situation': CM Omar Abdullah To Kashmiri Muslims Mourning Khamenei’s Death

Kashmir Mourns Khamenei's Death: As Kashmir saw large-scale protests following the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has stated that war is not a solution and raised concerns about the legal justification for the US and Israel’s attack on Iran.

The Chief Minister condemned the killing of Ayatollah Khamenei and urged the people of Jammu and Kashmir to exercise restraint, advising them not to let their emotions take control but to express their anger and sorrow through lawful and peaceful means.

CM Omar Abdullah remarked that Khamenei and his family had been “brutally murdered”. He added, “In that case, what Russia did in Ukraine is right. And tomorrow, if India enters a neighbouring country, that will also be right. I express my solidarity with the people of Iran and condemn the attack. I appeal to the people of Jammu and Kashmir not to let the situation worsen.” He also pointed out that certain groups were attempting to take advantage of the situation.

In response to the recent violence that has shaken the Valley following Khamenei’s death, Abdullah acknowledged that if there was any excessive use of force or abuse of power by the police or central paramilitary forces, resulting in injuries, it would be understandable for the people to react strongly.

(People stage a protest over the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in joint air strikes by the US-Israel, amid severe restrictions on the movement of people in parts of Kashmir: March 2/ PTI Photo )

Protests have erupted across Kashmir in response to the assassination, with many Shia Muslims in the region, who regard Khamenei as their religious leader, taking to the streets. Several marches mourning his death have taken place, and in some areas, the protests escalated into clashes with security forces. At least 14 people, including six security personnel, were injured during the protests on Monday, prompting the authorities to impose strict curfews.

"I request the people of Jammu and Kashmir not to allow the situation to deteriorate. Some people are trying to spoil the atmosphere, and reports of incidents are coming in from certain places. I do not want any misuse of force by the police or the central paramilitary forces here, resulting in people getting injured or, God forbid, anyone losing their life. That would be deeply unfortunate," the CM said, calling on religious leaders to help maintain peace.

He appealed to both the community and religious leaders to guide people towards preserving harmony. “You have every right to express your anger, resentment, and faith, but it must be done within the framework of the law. Please do not take the law into your own hands,” he stressed.

(PTI Photo)

Abdullah further mentioned that reports of stone-pelting had emerged from some areas since Monday, and there had been an attempt to assault a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP). "Because of such incidents, the government is compelled to take stricter measures. Our effort will be to ensure that, as soon as possible, people are given the freedom to carry out their activities properly and peacefully," he said.

The Chief Minister also confirmed that he was in contact with the central government regarding the situation of Indian students stranded in the Middle East and urged students from Jammu and Kashmir to follow the Indian embassy’s instructions.

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Describing the ongoing conflict between Israel, the United States, and Iran as deeply unfortunate, Abdullah stated, “Israel and America attacking Iran was wrong. But Iran’s retaliation, targeting places like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and other Gulf countries, was also wrong. Rather than ending, the war is spreading further.”

"The people of Iran have to choose what kind of government they want. The way the American people choose their President, the Israeli people choose who will be in power, and the Indians choose who will be the Prime Minister. No international law allows a change of guard by using firepower," he said.

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I also urge the people of Jammu and Kashmir not to let the situation worsen," Abdullah concluded.