J&K CM condemns Delhi Red Fort blast, Urges distinction between perpetrators and peaceful residents

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday condemned the recent blast near Delhi’s Red Fort, which claimed at least 12 lives, and called for strict action against those responsible. At the same time, he stressed the need to separate the actions of a few individuals from the broader population of Jammu and Kashmir, reaffirming the ideals of peace and brotherhood that the region upholds.

Addressing reporters, CM Abdullah described the attack as “highly condemnable,” emphasising that no religion can justify the killing of innocents. He said, “It is unfair to label every Kashmiri or resident of J&K as a terrorist. Only a handful of individuals have historically disrupted peace and harmony here. Generalising the entire community undermines the efforts to keep people on the right path.”

The Chief Minister also highlighted concerns over security lapses. Noting that some accused had professional backgrounds, including doctors, he questioned why prior investigations had not been thorough. “Though they were expelled from their jobs, what kind of follow-up investigation was conducted? Why was prosecution not carried out? Our role is to assist the central government in maintaining normalcy, and we are doing that,” Abdullah said.

CM Abdullah called for the perpetrators to be severely punished, while ensuring innocent individuals are not implicated. Experts stress that preventing such incidents, especially involving educated professionals, requires strengthened intelligence, professional accountability, awareness programs, community engagement, and timely prosecution.

Abdullah’s statement underlines a crucial message: while the recent attack is a grave concern, it should not overshadow the peaceful majority of Jammu and Kashmir, who continue to uphold the region’s values of harmony and brotherhood.