Srinagar, March 4 – Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah met with members of civil society at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar on Wednesday, offering "Fatiha" (prayers for the deceased) for the Iranian Supreme Leader and others killed in recent events in Iran.
The Chief Minister's office stated in a press release: "The Chief Minister met with religious leaders and members of civil society in Srinagar today, in light of recent developments in West Asia. Participants expressed concern about the situation and conveyed their condolences over the loss of lives in Iran.
"The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and harmony in Jammu and Kashmir, while respecting people's sentiments and ensuring that expressions of grief and mourning remain peaceful and responsible."
This was the first interaction between Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and members of civil society in Kashmir since the US-Israel attacks on Iran began.
Prominent members of civil society, including religious leaders, social activists, and representatives from business and trade, participated in the Chief Minister's meeting.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has already condemned the attack on Iran and emphasized that the right to determine a change of regime rests solely with the Iranian people, and not with external powers.
He has been in constant contact with the Ministry of External Affairs regarding the safe return of Kashmiri students studying in Iran.
It should be mentioned that before the conflict began, Omar Abdullah had appealed to parents to take the Ministry of External Affairs advisory seriously and to call back their children before Iranian airspace was closed.
Meanwhile, strict restrictions continued for the third day across the Valley to maintain law and order. All schools, colleges, and universities have been closed up to March 7.
Internet speed has been reduced to prevent individuals from uploading provocative content on social media.
The police have also registered FIRs against some individuals, including MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi and former Srinagar Mayor Junaid Azim Mattu, for allegedly uploading objectionable content.