Iranian Warship Was India’s Guest for Naval Exercise: Attack Unfortunate: Omar Abdullah
Srinagar, March 6, KNT: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday expressed concern over the reported sinking of an Iranian warship, saying the vessel and its crew had recently visited India to participate in a multinational naval exercise.
The development follows a major escalation in West Asia after a US submarine torpedoed and sank an Iranian warship in international waters off the coast of Sri Lanka on Wednesday. The vessel was reportedly returning from the MILAN naval exercise hosted by India.
Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, Abdullah said the incident was unfortunate, noting that the Iranian ship had been part of an international exercise hosted by India.
“It is unfortunate that an attack was carried out on the Iranian warship. They were our guests and had come here for a naval exercise. While returning, it was attacked. In some way, our country is also being dragged into this situation,” the Chief Minister said.
He added that the incident has caused concern in Jammu and Kashmir, as several residents of the Union Territory, including students, are currently in Iran.
The Chief Minister said the Jammu and Kashmir government is coordinating with the central government to ensure the safety of residents from the region who are presently in Iran.
“We are working with the Centre to ensure their safety and are also exploring ways to bring them home safely,” Abdullah said, while appealing for calm in the Union Territory amid the evolving situation.
Meanwhile, Abdullah said he had met members of civil society and religious leaders in Srinagar on Wednesday to discuss the situation and ensure that peace is maintained.
“The elements trying to disturb the atmosphere in Jammu and Kashmir should not be allowed to take advantage of the situation,” he said.
Responding to a question regarding Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s nomination to the Rajya Sabha, Abdullah described it as an internal matter of the Bihar government and its political allies.
He also commented on the general elections underway in Nepal, saying elections are essential for the functioning of democracy.
“As I have read in newspapers, a new leader has emerged there. Let us see what decision the people of Nepal take,” he said.
The Chief Minister further highlighted the government’s focus on promoting entrepreneurship and innovation in agriculture, saying programmes such as Mission Yuva are aimed at developing a startup culture among young people. [KNT]
