Bilal Bashir Bhat, Onlykashmir.in
Srinagar/ In view of the situation in West Asia following the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday held an important meeting with religious scholars, members of civil society and representatives of trade and business organizations at the Sher Kashmir International Convention Center.
The meeting was attended by Minister Sakina Itoo, Minister Javed Ahmed Dar, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, members of the assembly from across the valley,
Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshal Garg, IGP Kashmir VK Bardi, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Akshay Labro and other senior officers.
The meeting, held in the context of the ongoing tension in West Asia and its possible repercussions, was attended by religious leaders, social activists, academicians, retired officers and representatives of trade organizations. The Chief Minister listened carefully to the suggestions and concerns of the participants and reiterated his commitment to the establishment of law and order and the uninterrupted provision of essential services.
The participants expressed deep concern over the situation in the region and expressed condolences over the assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and his family. The meeting demanded that the administration adopt a compassionate attitude during the protests and mourning ceremonies, release those arrested in recent days and withdraw the cases registered against the youth.
In his address, the Chief Minister expressed grief over the loss of lives in Iran and said that the assassination of Ayatollah Khamenei was unspeakable. He said that the late leader was a sympathizer of the Kashmiri people and a friend of India. He mentioned his official visits to Iran and said that India-Iran relations have always been cordial.
He appealed to the people to keep the expression of grief peaceful and responsible and maintain harmony in Jammu and Kashmir. The Chief Minister assured that the issue of recent arrests would be raised at the highest level so that a soft and compassionate attitude could be adopted.
Regarding the evacuation of Kashmiri students stranded in Iran, he said that he was in constant touch with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the students were being shifted to safe places so that their return by land route was possible. He assured that diplomatic measures would be taken to protect students who wished to return from educational losses.
The meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, began with a Fatiha prayer for Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei and other deceased persons. Several religious and social leaders expressed their views and concerns.
