Omar Abdullah Calls for Targeted Action, Warns Against Blanket Suspicion
When we look at every resident of J&K and every Kashmiri Muslim with a single ideology and think that each one of them is a terrorist, it is difficult to keep the people on the right track, CM Abdullah told reporters here
SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday emphasised that only a “handful of individuals” are responsible for disrupting the region's harmony, urging stern punishment for the perpetrators of the November 10 Delhi car bomb blast while cautioning against alienating innocent citizens.
Speaking to the media in Jammu, the Chief Minister stressed the need to avoid painting all residents of J&K—or Kashmiri Muslims in particular—with the same brush. “These are only a few people who have always ruined peace and brotherhood here,” Abdullah said referring to the involvement of a Kashmiri medical practitioner Dr. Muhammad Umar Nabi in Monday’s deadly blast which killed 13 people and injured many others.
“When we look at every resident of J&K and every Kashmiri Muslim through a single ideology and assume each one is a terrorist, it becomes difficult to keep people on the right track,” he said. He insisted that those behind the “barbaric act” must face severe consequences but reiterated the importance of protecting the innocent. He added, “The people responsible must be punished sternly, but it is equally critical that innocent citizens are kept out of it.”
Reacting to revelations that some suspects in the terror module hail from professional backgrounds—including academia and medicine—Abdullah questioned systemic failures in monitoring and prosecution. “Have we not seen university professors involved in such activities before? Who says educated people don't get radicalised? They do,” he remarked.
As the J&K Lieutenant Governor’s administration has dismissed approximately eighty government employees till date for alleged ties to separatist militants or their involvement in anti-social activities by invoking Article 311 of the Constitution, which permits termination without inquiry in the interest of national security, the Chief Minister expressed shock over the lack of rigorous post-dismissal scrutiny. “I am appalled that although these individuals were expelled from their jobs, what kind of investigation followed? Why was prosecution not pursued?” he asked, highlighting the need for stronger oversight of high-risk individuals after initial red flags.
Abdullah reaffirmed his government's unwavering support for the Centre in restoring and maintaining stability. “Our administration continues to extend full cooperation to the central government to ensure normalcy and safeguard the atmosphere of peace across J&K,” he stated.
Meanwhile, J&K Health and Education Minister Sakina Itoo addressed reports of doctors' involvement in the Delhi blast, stating that the matter is under active investigation and that details will be disclosed upon conclusion. “The alleged role of doctors in the Delhi blast is a subject of ongoing probe. Once the investigation is complete, all facts will be placed before the public,” Itoo told reporters on Thursday.
She strongly condemned the attack, expressing profound grief over the tragedy. “I unequivocally condemn the blast in Delhi,” she said, extending condolences for the lives lost and those injured in the incident.