In the wake of the situation prevailing 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 in Srinagar.
Prominent members of civil society, including religious leaders, social activists, retired bureaucrats, academics, educationists, and representatives of trade bodies, participated in the interaction convened yesterday in the backdrop of the escalating war in West Asia and its possible aftermath in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in the Valley.
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 the targeted assassination of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several of his family members.
They called for the release of detainees held in recent days and to quash FIRs against youth who were out on the streets only to grieve the death of their spiritual leader.
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.”
He said the late leader was a true sympathiser of the people of Kashmir and had always maintained cordial relations with India.
Recalling his visits to Iran twice, as Minister of State for External Affairs Government of India and as Special Envoy of PM Atal Behari Vajpayee, CM Omar Abdullah said that the ties of India with Iran have always been cordial. CM said that the late Iranian supreme 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 urged people to ensure that expressions of grief remain peaceful and responsible.
He underscored the role of the administration and religious organisations in ensuring a peaceful atmosphere and stressed that no one should be harmed during condolence 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 to adopt a soft and lenient approach.
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 safe locations for their onward journey through land route as flights stand cancelled in the region.
Earlier, the meeting began with condolences over the demise of Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei, followed by ‘Fateha’ prayers for the supreme leader of Iran, school girls and others who lost their lives in the strikes on Iran.