Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday strongly condemned the US-Israel strikes on Iran, questioning the authority of the two nations to carry out military action and warning that such actions undermine international law.
Speaking to reporters, Abdullah said no international law allows foreign military intervention to overthrow governments, assassinate leaders, or kill civilians.
“The brutal killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, along with members of his family, raises a serious question — which law gave the United States or Israel the authority to do this?” he said.
Questions legality of foreign military action
Abdullah said if such actions were considered legitimate, it would set a dangerous precedent in global politics.
“If this is justified, then what Russia did in Ukraine would also be justified,” he remarked.
He further questioned whether similar actions by other countries would be accepted.
“Tomorrow, if India were to enter a neighbouring country and intervene, would that also be justified?” he asked.
The chief minister emphasised that the nature of governance in any country should be decided by its own people, including in Iran, the United States, and Israel.
Calls for restraint in Jammu and Kashmir
Expressing condolences to the Iranian people, Abdullah described the incident as deeply tragic and unacceptable.
At the same time, he criticised retaliatory actions by Iran targeting Gulf countries such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia, saying such responses risk widening the conflict.
“Israel and America attacking Iran was wrong. But Iran’s reaction targeting other countries is also wrong. Instead of stopping, the war is spreading further,” he said.
Abdullah urged residents of Jammu and Kashmir to remain calm and maintain peace, especially as protests have been reported in parts of the Valley following the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader.
Warning against violence during protests
The chief minister said reports of stone-pelting and attempts to attack police officials had emerged from certain locations.
He warned that such incidents could force authorities to impose stricter measures.
“I do not want any misuse of force by police or paramilitary forces that could lead to people being injured or losing their lives,” he said.
Government monitoring safety of Indians in Iran
Abdullah also said the Jammu and Kashmir government is coordinating closely with the Ministry of External Affairs regarding the safety of Indians in Iran.
He noted that most students and residents from Jammu and Kashmir in Iran have been moved to safer areas, though some final-year medical students working in hospitals have chosen to remain.
“War is not the cure for any problem,” Abdullah said, reiterating the need for diplomacy and peaceful solutions.
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