Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday said people of Jammu and Kashmir are apprehensive to travel outside the Union territory as they are all seen as suspects for the violent acts of few.
“In the prevailing circumstances, perhaps parents will not like to send their children outside. When we are looked at with suspicious eyes from every side, when attempts are made to defame us for someone else’s doing, when attempts are made to bring everyone into the ambit of what few people have done, then it is obvious that it becomes difficult for us to leave for outside,” Omar said at an event in south Kashmir’s Kulgam.
The CM said it does not feel good to say this, “but what can we do, that is the reality”.
“Few people are responsible for what happened in Delhi (car blast near Red Fort), but a perception is being created that we all are to blame for that and we all are a part of it,” he said.
Omar said he also thinks twice before taking out his vehicle, bearing J&K registration in Delhi.
“Today, even driving a J&K registration vehicle in Delhi is being seen as a crime. When I do not have many security personnel with me, I myself think whether I should take out my car or not, as I do not know if anyone will stop me and ask me where I was from and why I had come there,” he said.
The November 10 car explosion in Delhi that claimed 12 lives has triggered a sweeping, multi-agency investigation involving the Delhi Police Special Cell, NIA and Crime Branch.
Since the blast, police have checked more than 500 people from Jammu and Kashmir in Faridabad alone as part of heightened security measures.
The CM today met the families of two victims who lost their lives in the accidental explosion at Nowgam Police Station, extending his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.
At Chancer village in Kulgam, the Chief Minister visited the home of Late Arshid Ahmad Shah and expressed his deepest sympathies to the grieving family. He assured them that the government stands firmly with them in this hour of immense pain.
Later, the Chief Minister went to Hariparigam, Tral, where he met the family of Late Javid Mansoor Rather. He offered condolences and shared moments of solidarity with the bereaved members, conveying that no words can ease the loss they have suffered.
During his interaction, the CM consoled both families, offering words of comfort and reassurance.
He emphasised that while no amount can compensate for the precious lives lost in the unfortunate accident, the government will extend every possible assistance to help the affected families rebuild their lives.
The Chief Minister was accompanied by Minister Sakina Itoo and other senior officers.