CM flags civilian deaths, seeks India’s intervention to end hostilities
Irfan Yattoo
Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday termed the ongoing US-Israel military action against Iran “illegal” and “unlawful”, urging the Centre to use diplomatic channels to push for an end to the conflict.
Speaking in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, CM Omar Abdullah said the nature of the war made it difficult for any country to justify or support it. “The way an illegal and unlawful war has been imposed on Iran, I don’t think anyone can stand up and speak in its support,” he said.
He strongly condemned the reported killings during the conflict, including that of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, and civilian casualties. “The scale of violence, including the killing of civilians and even schoolchildren, has no recent precedent,” he said, describing it as a grave humanitarian concern.
Questioning the objectives behind the military action, CM Omar Abdullah said there appeared to be no clarity on its purpose, noting that different justifications had been offered at different times by the United States leadership.
“At different times, different reasons are cited from regime change to security concerns to oil prices, which raises questions about the clarity of its purpose,” he said.
The Chief Minister said the fallout of the conflict was being felt in Jammu and Kashmir, pointing to residents stranded in Iran and panic-driven fuel demand in parts of the region.
He asserted that the Assembly had the right to deliberate on international developments that directly affect people locally.
Referring to India’s diplomatic ties, CM Omar Abdullah said New Delhi maintains relations with the United States, Israel, and Iran, and should leverage these to de-escalate tensions. He urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take the initiative in pushing for a ceasefire.
“It may be true that we cannot stop a war from here, but the Government of India maintains strong relations with all the countries involved. There should be no objection if this House appeals to the Prime Minister to use diplomatic channels to help bring this war to an end,” he said, adding that an early resolution would help end suffering and restore stability.
Earlier, amid noisy scenes, Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather adjourned proceedings for half an hour. When the House reconvened, National Conference MLA Tanvir Sadiq sought a statement from the Leader of the House on the issue.
Members across party lines expressed differing views on whether the Assembly should take a position. CM Omar Abdullah initially noted the lack of consensus, saying a discussion could be held to accommodate divergent opinions.
Following interventions from both the treasury and opposition benches, the Speaker requested the Chief Minister to make a statement, noting that Parliament had also deliberated on the matter.
