CM Omar condemns US-Israel war on Iran, urges Centre to push for de-escalation

Srinagar : Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday condemned the ongoing war on Iran and called on the Centre to use its diplomatic engagement to help end the conflict.

Speaking in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, CM Omar, per news agency, said no one could support the manner in which the war was waged, referring to the killing of Iran’s Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and others during the conflict.

He also referred to civilian casualties, including children, and said such incidents could not be supported.

The chief minister questioned the stated objectives of the war, saying there was no clarity on its purpose. He referred to statements by the US President and said different reasons had been cited at different times.

Abdullah said the situation had a direct impact on people in Jammu and Kashmir, noting that residents were stranded in Iran during the conflict and that there were concerns reflected in long queues at petrol pumps.

He said the Assembly had the right to express its views on issues affecting people.

Referring to India’s ties with countries involved in the conflict, Abdullah said India maintains relations with the United States, Israel and Iran. He urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to use these relations to push for an end to the war.

Abdullah said ending the conflict would help reduce suffering and called for efforts aimed at restoring peace.

He said the issue should be seen from a humanitarian perspective and called for steps to stop the loss of lives—(KNO)