Calls for exemplary punishment to Delhi blast perpetrators
Jammu, Nov 13: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said that the entire population of Jammu and Kashmir cannot be branded as sympathisers of terrorism, stressing that those responsible for the Delhi blast must face exemplary punishment.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the 19th (Second Special) Convocation of the University of Jammu, Omar said, “Only a few elements are responsible for disturbing peace and harmony in the region, and they should be given the strictest punishment. Innocent people should not get caught in it.”
Condemning the killings of innocent people, he asserted that “every resident of Jammu and Kashmir is not a terrorist,” adding that portraying every Kashmiri Muslim as one only deepens division and mistrust. “When we begin to look at every Kashmiri Muslim through the same lens, it becomes difficult to keep things on the right track,” he remarked.
At the convocation, the Chief Minister, who is also the Pro-Chancellor of the University, said his government has launched transformative reforms to improve access, quality, and relevance in higher education. The event was attended by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chancellor of the University, along with senior officials, MPs, and faculty members.
Omar congratulated the graduating students and their families, calling the occasion a “moment of pride, celebration, and reflection.” He praised the University of Jammu for emerging as a beacon of higher learning with 11 off-site campuses, 40 departments, and over 160 affiliated colleges.
Highlighting the university’s achievements, he commended its NAAC A++ accreditation with a CGPA of 3.72 and its consistent ranking among the top 100 universities in the NIRF, securing the 51st position this year. He also lauded its rise from 23rd to 21st among State Public Universities and its focus on employability through global placements and partnerships.
Omar appreciated Vice Chancellor Prof. Umesh Rai and his team for their commitment to academic excellence and innovation. He highlighted Mission Yuva, the government’s flagship initiative aimed at harnessing the potential of J&K’s youth through capacity building, career guidance, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement.
“Education is the heart of transformation,” he said, urging students to spread knowledge to every corner of Jammu and Kashmir. Encouraging the graduates, he added, “Success is not measured by what you achieve for yourself but by what you contribute to society.”
