Fayaz Bukhari
SRINAGAR, Mar 21: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today expressed concern over the ongoing conflict in West Asia and its global impact.
Speaking to reporters after offering Eid prayers at Hazratbal here, the Chief Minister called for an immediate end to what he described as an “unjust” war against Iran launched by the United States of America and Israel.
Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp
“We should have only one prayer today-that this unjust war should end as soon as possible and peace should prevail.”
Omar said this year’s Eid was being observed amid widespread turmoil in the Muslim world and hoped for peace to prevail.
“This Eid is being celebrated at a time when the entire Muslim Ummah is distressed. There are clouds of war, and there is not a single Islamic country where such clouds are absent,” he said.
The Chief Minister said he prayed for an end to hostilities in West Asia that has impacted the entire world.
“I prayed for only one thing-that this unjust war waged by Israel and America on our people must stop, peace must prevail, and such situations do not arise. This unjust war must end without delay,” he said.
Omar expressed concern over restrictions on Eid congregational prayers at historic Jamia Masjid, terming the decision unfortunate and questioned the administration’s claims of normalcy.
“While Eid prayers were held peacefully across J&K, it is unfortunate that once again prayers were not allowed at the historic Jamia Masjid. This reflects a contradiction between the administration’s words and actions,” he said.
The Chief Minister said claims of a conducive and peaceful situation in Kashmir were undermined by such restrictions.
“What kind of normalcy is this where Eid prayers are not allowed at the biggest mosque in Srinagar?” he asked.
Calling for a review of such measures, Omar said people should be allowed to offer prayers freely.
“I hope such decisions are revisited and people are permitted to hold their prayers without restrictions,” he added.
The Chief Minister also flagged concerns over rising prices of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and other petroleum products, saying the economic burden was affecting households across the country.
“We are seeing the effects of LPG and oil all over the country. Tomorrow, prices will rise. How much negative impact will it have on our country? It will definitely have an impact,” he said.
He added that the issue carried both economic and emotional implications.
“It will have a sentimental impact on the entire Muslim community, and at the same time, it will affect households struggling to manage expenses due to rising LPG and diesel prices,” he said.
The post Omar concerned over West Asia war, its impact appeared first on Daily Excelsior.