Srinagar, March 4 : Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday interacted with members of civil society at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar and offered ‘Fatiha’ (prayers for the dead) for the Iranian Supreme Leader and others killed in the recent developments in Iran. The Office of the Chief Minister said in a statement: “The Chief Minister today interacted with religious leaders and members of civil society in Srinagar in light of recent developments in West Asia. The participants expressed concern over the situation and conveyed their condolences over the loss of lives in Iran.
“The Chief Minister emphasised the importance of maintaining peace and harmony in Jammu and Kashmir while respecting people’s sentiments and ensuring that expressions of grief and mourning remain peaceful and responsible.” This is the first interaction of CM Omar Abdullah with civil society members in Kashmir since the US-Israel attacks on Iran began. Prominent members of civil society, including religious leaders, social activists, and representatives connected with business and trade, participated in the Chief Minister’s interaction. CM Omar Abdullah has already condemned the attack on Iran and emphasised that the right to determine a change of regime rests solely with the Iranian people and not with outside powers.