‘Culprits deserve punishment, innocents should not be harassed’
Nishikant Khajuria
JAMMU, Nov 13: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today said that those behind the Delhi blast should be given the strictest punishment, but the entire population of Jammu and Kashmir cannot be branded as sympathisers of terrorism.
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“Every resident of Jammu and Kashmir is not a terrorist. Not every Kashmiri is on the side of terrorists. It is only a handful of people who have tried to disturb the peace and harmony here,” he said, while talking to media persons on the sidelines of Jammu University Convocation, here today.
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The Chief Minister emphasized that no amount of condemnation is enough for the Delhi incident and the brutal killing of innocent people in such a manner is extremely shameful. No one can justify such an act, he added.
Reiterating that only a few elements were responsible for disturbing peace and harmony in the region, Omar said those who are guilty should be given the strictest punishment, and innocent people should not get caught in it.
“Don’t create impression that every Kashmiri Muslim is a terrorist,” he said.
“When we begin to look at every Kashmiri Muslim through the same lens and try to give the impression that every Kashmiri Muslim is a terrorist, it becomes very difficult to keep things on the right track,” he added.
Responding to questions about the arrest of Arif Nisar Dar, a doctor from Srinagar’s SMHS Hospital who was sacked in 2023 by the LG Administration for alleged terror links, Omar asked why no legal action was taken earlier despite the availability of evidence.
“What is new about this? Haven’t we seen University Professors involved before? I even remember an Associate Professor earlier. Where is it written that educated people cannot get involved in such things?
“If you believed he had terror links and you had evidence, why didn’t you take that evidence to court? Why he was not prosecuted? Merely dismissing someone from service doesn’t end the matter – and today, we are seeing the result of that,” he said.
Earlier, while addressing the Jammu University Convocation, the Chief Minister said that his Government has undertaken a series of transformative reforms to enhance access, quality and relevance in higher education across Jammu and Kashmir-reforms that directly benefit institutions such as the University of Jammu and, most importantly, its students.
Omar also highlighted Mission Yuva, his Government’s flagship initiative designed to harness the creativity, potential and energy of the youth of Jammu & Kashmir.
“Mission Yuva aims to provide young people with a structured platform for capacity building, career guidance, entrepreneurship and civic engagement. By integrating education with skill development, innovation, and mental well-being, it seeks to prepare our youth not only for employment but for leadership and nation-building,” he said.
The Chief Minister emphasized that the synergy between Mission Yuva and the higher education ecosystem is already visible through mentorship programmes, startup incubation, cultural and literary engagement and outreach initiatives involving universities like the University of Jammu.
“Together, these efforts ensure that our young citizens are not only educated but empowered to contribute meaningfully to a progressive, inclusive and self-reliant Jammu & Kashmir,” he asserted.
Calling education the “heart of transformation,” the Chief Minister said Jammu and Kashmir stands at the threshold of a new era of opportunity, where universities play a pivotal role in shaping innovators, entrepreneurs, and responsible citizens.
In his concluding remarks, Omar urged the youth to dream big, think boldly, and serve selflessly. “The nation looks to your generation to build a future marked by progress, harmony and inclusivity. My wish for each of you is that you find work that gives you purpose and allows you to lead a life that balances ambition with compassion. My challenge to you is to be an agent of positive change in your families, your professions, and your communities,” he said.
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