Continuing his pointed criticism of his own party’s leadership, ruling National Conference MP Aga Ruhullah Mehdi on Monday targeted Omar Abdullah for not condemning the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei explicitly. Stating that a mere expression of concern was not adequate, he urged the Chief Minister to take a clearer and stronger position on the killing that has triggered widespread outrage across the Valley.
Mehdi said if Omar cannot find the courage to condemn the assassination of Khamenei, his words of concern for the situation in the Gulf country have no value for the people who followed and respected the Supreme leader of Iran.”While going through Tweets and statements, I found that he is “concerned” and falls short of condemnation, let alone a word of tribute,” Mehdi said in a post on X without naming the chief minister.
The Lok Sabha member from Srinagar constituency, who shares strained relations with the Chief Minister, said if Omar does not have the courage to condemn the act of aggression against a sovereign nation, he should keep his concern to himself. “If you cannot find the courage to condemn an act of aggression against a sovereign nation and assassination of a highly respected religious figure who is widely followed by your electorate and fellow citizens, because the people in power in the centre you are trying to cosy up to will get upset- Keep your “concern” with yourself,” he added.
Omar said on Sunday that he was deeply concerned about the unfolding developments in Iran, including the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. “I appeal to all communities to remain calm, uphold peace, and avoid any actions that could lead to tension or unrest,” he posted on X.
The National Conference issued a statement attributed to party president Dr. Farooq Abdullah in which he condemned the killing of Khamenei in joint strikes by the US and Israel.