Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday strongly condemned the Israeli airstrikes on Iran, calling them "totally unjustified" and warning of far-reaching consequences if the international community remains silent.
Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, Omar Abdullah said, “As far as I am aware, Iran did not provoke Israel in any way to justify such a military response. This was a unilateral action by Israel, framed as a pre-emptive strike, but in reality, it amounts to an unprovoked act of aggression.”
The remarks come in the wake of early Friday strikes by Israeli forces on Tehran, reportedly targeting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure — a move that has escalated tensions across the Middle East and raised fears of a wider regional conflict. Analysts have described it as the most significant military strike on Iran since the Iran-Iraq War of the 1980s.
Abdullah drew a stark parallel between Israel’s actions and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, questioning the selective silence of world powers. “When Russia attacked Ukraine, there was global condemnation, movements and sanctions. But when Israel targets Iran, those same powers — be it the United States, Europe, or others — go quiet. This double standard is deeply troubling,” he said.
Warning of wider ramifications, the chief minister said the fallout from the Middle East crisis will not be confined to the region. “This conflict will ripple through global markets — affecting fuel prices, air travel, and stock exchanges. But beyond the economic impact, it deeply affects public sentiment, especially in places like Kashmir, where people watch these events closely.”
Omar Abdullah also made a strong appeal to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) for the immediate safety of Kashmiri students currently stranded in Iran. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he wrote:
“Requesting MEA India to urgently ensure the safety and well-being of Kashmiri students currently stuck in Iran. Their families are deeply worried, and we stand with them in this difficult time. Every step must be taken to safeguard our students.” [KNT]
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