Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday advocated stringent punishment for all those involved in the “white collar” terror module and Delhi blast case, but urged that innocent civilians should not be harmed.
“I raised the issue yesterday at the North Zone Chief Minister’s conference as well. Union Home Minister was there, Union Home Secretary, CMs of north zone, governors, LGs, were there. I appealed to them to not see every citizen of J&K, especially every Kashmiri Muslim, with suspicion,” he told reporters after visiting a hospital here to inquire about those injured in the accidental blast in the Nowgam police station on Saturday.
Omar said while those involved in the module, especially in the Delhi blast, be arrested and given stringent punishment, “innocent people, who have no connection with it and have always raised their voice against violence, should not be brought into this ambit”.
The chief minister expressed hope that the Centre will pay heed to what he said.
On the Nowgam blast, the CM said it is unfortunate that many people lost their precious lives and several others were injured.
“The investigations are on to ascertain the cause and why it happened. I hope people will get answers, because it should not happen. Such a huge quantity of explosives was brought here, in which conditions was it transported and stored, and how was it being dealt with, we will gradually get answers to all these questions, but I express my sympathies and condolences to all those families who lost their kin,” he said.
The CM today visited the families of those who lost their lives in the recent accidental explosion at the Nowgam Police Station.
He visited the families of Late Aijaz Afzal Mir at HMT Zainakote, Late Mohammad Amin Mir at Bemina, Late Showkat Ahmad Bhat at Qamarwari, Late Suhail Ahmad Rather at Natipora, and Late Mohd. Shafi Paray at Wanabal.
The Chief Minister expressed his deep sorrow over the irreparable loss and prayed for the departed souls to rest in peace in heaven. He also prayed for strength and forbearance for the families to bear the loss.
Expressing profound grief, the CM said, “This tragic incident has taken away dedicated individuals who were serving the people with sincerity and courage. Their loss is a loss for all of Jammu & Kashmir.”
He assured the families that the Government stands firmly with them, adding, “We will ensure every possible support to the bereaved families in this hour of unimaginable pain.”
Chief Minister assured the families of assistance from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.
Later, the Chief Minister visited Ujala Cygnus hospital in Nowgam to meet the injured persons. He reviewed their medical condition and interacted with the doctors and attendants.
Calling for the best possible treatment, he said, “Every injured individual must receive the utmost care. Their wellbeing is our immediate priority.”
The CM was accompanied by his Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani, MLA Chanapora Mushtaq Ahmad Guroo and other concerned.