SRINAGAR, March 4: In light of the ongoing developments in West Asia following the reported killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah convened a meeting with religious scholars, civil society members, and representatives of trade and business organizations at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre in Srinagar on Tuesday.
The meeting was attended by Minister Sakina Itoo, Minister Javaid Ahmad Dar, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, several Members of the Legislative Assembly from across Kashmir, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg, IGP Kashmir V. K. Birdi, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Akshay Labroo, and other senior officers of the divisional and district administration.
Prominent members of civil society—including religious leaders, social activists, retired bureaucrats, academics, educationists, and representatives of trade bodies—participated in the discussion, which took place against the backdrop of the escalating conflict in West Asia and its potential implications for Jammu and Kashmir, particularly the Valley.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister listened to the concerns and suggestions raised by the participants and reiterated the government’s commitment to maintaining peace and ensuring the uninterrupted functioning of essential services.
Participants expressed deep concern over the developments in West Asia and conveyed sympathy to those who lost their lives, especially following the targeted assassination of Ali Khamenei and several members of his family.
They urged the administration to deal with protesters and mourners with understanding while allowing peaceful gatherings to express grief, provided public order is maintained. Some also called for the release of detainees held in recent days and the withdrawal of FIRs against youth who had taken to the streets to mourn the death of their spiritual leader.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed grief over the loss of lives in Iran, stating that the killing of Ali Khamenei was beyond words. He described the late leader as a sympathizer of the people of Kashmir and noted that he had maintained cordial relations with India.
Recalling his visits to Iran—once as Minister of State for External Affairs in the Government of India and later as Special Envoy of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee—the Chief Minister said that ties between India and Iran have historically remained cordial. He added that the late Iranian leader was regarded as a friend of India and a well-wisher of the Kashmiri people.
The Chief Minister emphasised the need to maintain peace and communal harmony in Jammu and Kashmir while respecting public sentiments. He urged people to ensure that expressions of grief remain peaceful and responsible.
He said the purpose of the meeting was to collectively express sorrow over the developments and to issue a joint appeal for calm during the mourning period. He stressed the importance of cooperation between the administration and religious organizations to maintain a peaceful atmosphere and ensure that no harm occurs during condolence gatherings.
Addressing concerns about recent detentions and cases filed against youth, the Chief Minister assured participants that he would raise the matter at the highest level and advocate a soft and lenient approach.
On the issue of Kashmiri students stranded in Iran, Omar Abdullah said he is in constant touch with the Ministry of External Affairs regarding their safety and evacuation. He said students are being moved to safer locations for onward travel through land routes, as flights in the region remain suspended.
He added that some students—particularly medical interns—have been reluctant to return due to warnings from their colleges that leaving could result in the loss of an academic year. The Chief Minister assured that the matter would be raised through diplomatic channels with authorities in Iran to ensure that returning students are not penalised.
Some civil society members also highlighted concerns about rising prices of essential commodities and fuel, urging the administration to ensure uninterrupted supply chains and proper functioning of key sectors such as health and power.
Responding to these concerns, the Chief Minister directed Deputy Commissioners to closely monitor stock and supply positions to prevent hoarding or overpricing. He also appealed to the public to report any grievances to the administration.
The meeting began with condolences over the demise of Ali Khamenei, followed by Fateha prayers for the Iranian leader, schoolgirls and others who lost their lives in the strikes on Iran.
Several religious leaders and civil society members shared their views during the meeting, including Molvi Imran Ansari, Aga Syed Mehmood, MLA Ali Muhammad Sagar, MLA Tanvir Sadiq, Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi, Syed Shakeel Qalandar, M. Yaseen Khan, Mushtaq Chaya, Aga Syed Mudasir Rizvi, Khurshid Ahmad Ganai, Tanvir Jehan, Dr Dechen Paljor, Jaspal Singh, G. N. War, MLA Mubarak Gul, Nasir Shah, Manzoor Pakhtoon, Shamim Ahmad Shah, Maulana Maqbool Hussain, Dr A. G. Ahangar, and Iqram Shafie, among others.
