While restrictions will remain in force on Thursday to prevent any untoward incidents, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday appealed to the people to maintain peace and communal harmony and to express their sentiments peacefully.
Chairing a meeting with civil society members and religious leaders from across the Valley, Abdullah said the deliberations focused on consolidating a peaceful atmosphere in the region.
“We met civil society members and various stakeholders from across the Valley. We discussed how peace can prevail. A common appeal was made for peace,” he told reporters after the meeting.
“First of all, the meeting, in one voice, strongly condemned the attack on Iran in which Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, attained martyrdom,” Omar Abdullah said, adding, “We appealed to the people to hold their protests in a peaceful manner.”
Thanking the participants for issuing a joint appeal, the Chief Minister urged people to channel their emotions responsibly.
“Whatever we have to express — our anger, our condolences, our feelings — we can express them in our mosques, shrines, and Imambaras. But wherever we express them, it must be peaceful. That is the appeal that has gone out from all of us, and we hope it resonates with the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
On international developments, Abdullah condemned the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, terming it a “martyrdom.”
“We condemn the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, who was martyred. We should express our feelings and condolences, but with responsibility and peacefully,” he said.
Expressing concern over students from the region stranded in conflict-hit Iran, the Chief Minister said he had met their parents and was monitoring the situation.
“We have almost provided safe houses to all, barring two groups who are in their final year,” he said, adding that academic commitments were deterring some students from leaving. He said the Ministry of External Affairs was working to evacuate the remaining students.
On the security situation, Abdullah said restrictions would be eased wherever feasible but asserted that violence would not be tolerated.
“Restrictions will be lifted, but there should be no blood on the streets,” he said.
When asked about an FIR registered against National Conference MP Aga Ruhullah, the Chief Minister declined to comment on the specifics, saying he did not want to speak on individual cases.
Restrictions to remain in place
Authorities on Wednesday said that restrictions will remain in place across all districts of Kashmir on Thursday as a precautionary measure following protests reported in parts of the Valley over the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Security officials said the decision was taken to safeguard public order and prevent any untoward incidents amid the prevailing situation.
A senior official said the measures would continue on Thursday to ensure a peaceful atmosphere, adding that the situation largely remained calm throughout Wednesday.
Officials privy to the development said the administration is closely monitoring the situation and that appropriate steps will be taken as required.
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