Gulistan News Web Desk | May 9, 2025
Amid rising cross-border hostilities, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has appealed to Pakistan to focus on de-escalation, warning that continued aggression will lead to further instability without any strategic gain. While visiting relief camps and hospitals in Jammu and Samba, CM Omar strongly condemned the recent aerial attacks on Jammu, calling them the most intense since the 1971 war.
“The way civilians have been targeted, and the kind of attacks carried out in Jammu city—I don’t think Jammu has seen such aggression since 1971,” Omar said.
According to the Chief Minister, several sensitive locations, including an ammunition depot in Anantnag, were among the attempted targets, but Indian defence systems successfully intercepted and neutralized the threats. Calling Pakistan’s actions “futile,” Omar warned:
“This continuous escalation from Pakistan benefits no one. It brings no strategic advantage and only invites more instability. Pakistan must silence its guns and help bring back normalcy.”
He reaffirmed that India did not provoke the situation, pointing to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that killed several civilians.
“Our civilians were targeted in Pahalgam. We had to respond. But India has not sought escalation—we have acted in defence,” he added.
The Chief Minister also reviewed the situation in Poonch, where most casualties and injuries were reported. One critically injured civilian was transferred to PGI Chandigarh for advanced medical care.
During his visit to relief camps in Mishriwala, Nagbani, Kot Bhalwal (Jammu), and Vijaypur (Samba), Omar met with displaced families and assured them of full support from the administration.
As tensions remain high, Omar Abdullah’s call for restraint and diplomacy stands out as a voice of reason in an increasingly volatile environment.