Srinagar, March 3 : Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said that if celebrations are permitted in a democratic setup, mourning should also be allowed, but cautioned that incidents of violence compel authorities to impose restrictions.
Speaking to reporters as per KNS correspondent, Abdullah said reports had emerged since yesterday about stone-pelting in some areas and an alleged attempt to assault a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP). “Because of such incidents, the government is forced to take stricter measures,” he said, adding that the administration would try to ensure that people are given freedom to express their grief in a peaceful manner at the earliest.
On the escalating tensions in West Asia, Abdullah said war benefits no one and expressed concern over the widening conflict.
He termed the attacks by Israel and the United States on Iran as wrong, but added that Iran’s retaliatory strikes on the UAE, Saudi Arabia and other Gulf nations were also not justified.
“Instead of stopping, this war is spreading further,” he said, pointing to growing instability in the region. Referring to developments in the subcontinent, he said even neighbouring Pakistan and Afghanistan were engaged in hostilities, underlining that war is not a solution to any problem”.
