Jammu, Mar 5: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday expressed concern over the reported sinking of an Iranian warship, saying the vessel and its crew had recently visited India for a multilateral naval exercise.
The development follows a major escalation in West Asia after a US submarine torpedoed and sank an Iranian warship in international waters off the coast of Sri Lanka on Wednesday. The vessel was reportedly returning after participating in the Milan naval exercise hosted by India.
Speaking to reporters in Jammu, Abdullah described the incident as unfortunate, noting that the Iranian ship had earlier been a guest of India.
“It is unfortunate that an attack was carried out on the Iranian warship. They were our guests and had come here for a naval exercise. While returning, it was attacked. In some way, our country is also being dragged into this situation. What will happen in the future is beyond my jurisdiction,” he said.
The chief minister also expressed concern for residents of Jammu and Kashmir currently staying in Iran, including students, saying the government is in touch with the Centre to ensure their safety.
He said the administration is working on a plan to facilitate their safe return and appealed to people to remain calm amid the evolving situation.
On Wednesday, Abdullah held a meeting with civil society members and religious leaders in Srinagar to ensure peace and maintain communal harmony in the region.
“The elements trying to disturb the atmosphere in Jammu and Kashmir should not be allowed to take advantage of the situation,” he said.
Responding to Nitish Kumar’s decision to file nomination papers for the Rajya Sabha, Abdullah termed it an internal matter of the Bihar government and its allies. He recalled Kumar’s past association with the INDIA alliance and extended his best wishes for the nomination.
Commenting on the general elections in Nepal following the fall of the government led by K P Sharma Oli last year, Abdullah said elections are essential for the functioning of democracy.
Voting began in all 165 constituencies in Nepal on Thursday under tight security. “As I have read in newspapers, a new leader has emerged there. Let us see what decision the people of Nepal take,” he added.
The chief minister also highlighted the government’s focus on entrepreneurship and innovation in agriculture. Referring to initiatives such as Mission Yuva, he said the administration is promoting a startup culture and that funding has begun reaching educational institutions to support such programmes. (Agencies)
