Warns against normalising regime change
Srinagar, Mar 03: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday said the type of government in Iran “must be decided by the people of Iran”. He condemned the killing of the country’s Supreme Leader and warned that the use of force to change regimes violates international law.
Addressing reporters in Jammu, Omar drew parallels with democratic processes in other countries. “The way the people of America decide who their president will be, the way the people of Israel decide who will be in charge of their government, and the way the people of India decide who will be the Prime Minister, similarly, the people of Iran should decide about their own government,” he said.
Abdullah said international law does not permit the use of force to alter governments.
Referring to the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, the J&K CM termed it a merciless act and questioned its legal basis. “Which law allowed this to happen in the US or Israel?” he asked.
Omar said that if such actions are justified, it would create a dangerous precedent. “Then what Russia did in Ukraine is also right. What other countries do is also right. If India wants to enter a neighbouring country in the future, that will also be right,” he said, cautioning against normalising regime change through force.
He expressed sympathy with the people of Iran and said he condemned the attack.
At the same time, he appealed to people in Jammu and Kashmir to maintain peace and not allow tensions to escalate. “I request and appeal to my people in Jammu and Kashmir to please do not let the situation get worse,” he said.
The CM also said there were reports from some places of attempts to disturb the atmosphere and warned against interference by elements seeking to exploit the situation.
Omar said he does not want the police or paramilitary forces to misuse their powers. “I do not want people to get injured or die,” he said, adding that he understands the emotions and anger of people. “But in these circumstances, it is very important to control your emotions,” he said.
The Chief Minister further appealed to religious leaders to channel public sentiment responsibly. “Express your anger and pain, but do not take the law into your own hands,” he said.
