Urging restraint amid rising tensions in the broader Middle East, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has reacted strongly to the developments in Middle East and condemned the killing of Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a joint US–Israel strike. This has directly impacted the situation locally in Kashmir, apart from other places.
While deeply condemning the killing and dismissing external interference in sovereign affairs, CM Abdullah emphasised that ‘the people of Iran must be the ones to decide their own leadership, without external interference’, in reference to international reactions following the strike. He said the killing of a nation’s leader raises serious questions about global norms and the legality of military actions by foreign powers.
Abdullah also appealed for peace and responsibility at home, especially in Jammu and Kashmir where protests erupted after news of Khamenei’s death, prompting restrictions and closures in parts of the region. He urged communities to remain calm and not allow the situation to worsen, stressing the need to uphold law and order.
His comments reflect wider political reactions in India, where opposition leaders have criticised the strikes as a dangerous precedent and urged de escalation. Abdullah also highlighted the importance of ensuring safety for J&K residents, including students in Iran, and reaffirmed cooperation with the Ministry of External Affairs of India to monitor developments.
Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir’s ruling party National Conference convened a special meeting in Srinagar to express solidarity with the people of Iran following the killing of Khamenei.
In a statement issued after the meeting, the party noted that General Secretary Ali Muhammad Sagar led senior functionaries in paying tributes to the Iranian leader, whom they referred to as a prominent figure of the global Shia community ‘martyred in a joint US-Israel attack’.
Presiding over the condolence gathering at the party headquarters, Sagar guided participants in offering prayers and reciting ‘Fatiha’ for all those who lost their lives in the attack, including schoolgirls, who were among the victims. The atmosphere of the meeting reflected collective grief and a shared sense of loss, a party spokesperson said. He added, “The party functionaries extended their heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the people of Iran over the tragic loss of lives, and prayed for their protection and strength during this difficult time.”
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