Emphasizes on ensuring public safety & maintaining unity
Suhail Khan
Samba, May 9 : Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday accused Pakistan of deliberately attempting to escalate tensions along the border but asserted that such provocations would serve them no purpose.
He commended the Indian defence forces for effectively neutralizing drone threats aimed at civilian areas.
Speaking to reporters in Samba, the Chief Minister as per Kashmir Despatch said, “The biggest concern is that civilians were targeted. Drones were used, but full credit goes to our defence forces — they shot them all down. In Kashmir’s Anantnag, an ammunition depot was also targeted, but the attempt was successfully foiled.”
Omar Abdullah made it clear that India did not initiate the current escalation. “We didn’t start this. Innocent people were killed in Pahalgam, and we had to respond. Pakistan is trying to escalate matters, but such steps will not serve them any good. They should lay down their weapons and opt for de-escalation instead of provocation,” he added.
The Chief Minister confirmed heavy casualties and extensive property damage in Poonch. “I visited the injured in the hospital; they are receiving treatment. One seriously injured person was shifted to Chandigarh earlier this morning and has undergone surgery,” he informed.
When asked about relief and medical arrangements for the affected families, Omar Abdullah said, “All possible support is being extended. We are providing three meals a day, tea, medical camps, ambulances — whatever is needed, we are doing our best.”
Earlier in the day, the Chief Minister also visited Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu to inquire about the well-being of civilians injured in recent cross-border shelling incidents.
In the wake of the recent drone attacks in Jammu, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah held interaction with civil society members to discuss steps taken for public safety, state of preparedness and the importance of maintaining communal harmony during these critical times.
During the interaction, the Chief Minister urged the public to remain calm and vigilant, appealing to citizens not to panic and to rely solely on verified and official sources of information.
Minister Satish Sharma, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Deputy Commsioner Jammu, Senior Superintendent of Police Jammu, Director Social Welfare Department Jammu, Director Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Jammu, Regional Transport Officer Jammu, senior police officers and other concerned officers were also present during the interaction.
Stressing the importance of effective communication, he outlined a set of measures aimed at enhancing public awareness and strengthening the emergency response mechanism across the region.
The Chief Minister informed the participants that safety guidelines and verified updates would be disseminated through the Department of Information using local television, radio channels and an official WhatsApp channel.
He also emphasized the role of the Traffic Department in raising awareness about emergency alert sirens and signals. The deployment of police personnel in sensitive areas was discussed as a means to manage panic and assist with crowd control, while designated relief camps, functional bunkers, and healthcare facilities are being kept in a state of readiness.
The meeting was informed that in order to ensure the uninterrupted supply of essential commodities, the government is maintaining supply chain and regulating prices. Fire services, ambulances, and Civil Defence units have been placed on high alert to ensure a swift and coordinated emergency response.
The Chief Minister reiterated the administration’s commitment to maintaining communal harmony and urged community leaders to play a proactive role in fostering peace and unity.
Special attention is also being given to the safety and care of livestock in affected areas. The Health Department has been directed to keep hospitals and primary health centres fully prepared for emergencies and that a dedicated helpline was now active for patients in need of life-saving drugs or dialysis. Blood donation camps are being organized in collaboration with NGOs to meet medical requirements on the ground.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah concluded the session by expressing gratitude to the civil society members for their participation and support. He reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to protecting the lives and well-being of every citizen during this time of crisis.
The interaction saw participation from a broad spectrum of civil society members, including ex-servicemen, former police chiefs of the J&K Police, heads and presidents of industry & commerce, trade and travel associations, former ministers and representatives of various political parties. Educationists, academicians, stakeholders from the tourism sector, heads of religious organizations representing Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, and Christian communities, representatives of Gujjar and Bakarwal groups, lawyers’ bodies, fruit and mandi associations, transporters and NGOs were also present.
The participants appreciated the Chief Minister for convening such an interaction at a time of heightened tensions.
They pledged their full support under the leadership of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and affirmed their commitment to standing united with the government during the ongoing crisis.
