Chairs civil society meet at SKICC; says will take up Iran students’ issue with GoI, restrictions to be eased gradually
Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Mar 4: Urging people to express grief, sorrow and anger without disturbing peace, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday called for maintaining calm and harmony in Jammu and Kashmir.
According to the details available with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) the Chief Minister chaired a meeting of civil society members and senior religious leaders at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre here this afternoon.
Talking to reporters on the sidelines of the meeting, CM Omar, said, “The government had invited them to deliberate on the prevailing situation and collectively appeal for calm across the Union Territory.”
He said that an earnest appeal has been made to J&K people to maintain peace and communal harmony, especially in Kashmir.
“We should express our grief, sorrow and anger in a peaceful manner. We express whatever we have to express our anger, our condolences, our feelings. But wherever we express them, whether in our mosques, in our shrines or in our imambaras, we must express them peacefully,” he said.
He thanked civil society members and religious leaders for their cooperation, expressing hope that the joint appeal would resonate with the masses.
IRAN STUDENTS ISSUE
The Chief Minister also spoke about concerns raised by parents of students studying in Iran, saying several parents had met him both at the meeting venue and earlier at his residence.
He said many students have already been shifted to safer places, but difficulties persist in some cases, particularly involving final-year medical students doing internships in hospitals.
“Some students told the embassy they are safe in hospitals and do not want to leave. However, there are others, especially between the fourth and fifth year, whose colleges are not allowing them to leave, warning that their academic year will be wasted,” he said.
Calling it an injustice to the students, CM Omar said he would take up the matter with the Government of India and request it to raise the issue with Iranian authorities through diplomatic channels to ensure the students are allowed to leave without losing their academic year.
He said flight operations remain suspended at present, but the Ministry of External Affairs has assured that efforts are being made to facilitate evacuation through land routes to neighbouring countries.
“They have taken responsibility and assured us they will do their best to move them out as soon as possible. For now, students have been kept in safe places,” he said.
RESTRICTIONS TO BE EASED GRADUALLY
Responding to queries about demands raised during the meeting, the Chief Minister said the participants were told that government has sought a “soft approach.”
On restrictions, CM Omar said these would be eased gradually as the situation improves. “As the situation improves, we will reduce the restrictions. For now, we are trying to ensure that there is no innocent blood spilling anywhere and no injuries due to law and order disturbances,” he said.
The Chief Minister further reiterated that the government’s priority is to maintain peace and prevent any escalation, while ensuring that people can express their sentiments in a peaceful and lawful manner—(KNO)
Colours, greetings, sweets distribution mark Holi celebration in Jammu
Yogesh
Jammu, Mar 04 (KNO): Colours, greetings and sweets distribution marked the Holi celebrations in Jammu on Wednesday.
According to the details available with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) from early morning, people thronged streets and neighbourhoods, smearing each other with colours, exchanging greetings and distributing sweets.
Children were seen splashing colour balloons while youth danced to popular tunes, adding vibrancy to the celebrations. People from all walks of life participated in the festivities.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah extended their warm greetings to the people on the occasion. Leaders conveyed their best wishes for happiness, prosperity and communal harmony.
Moreover, celebrations were also organized at unit headquarters of security forces including Army, CRPF, ITPB, BSF, and J&K Police stationed in Jammu division. Officers and jawans exchanged greetings and marked the festival in a traditional manner within the camp premises and celebrated Holi with zeal.
In Rajouri, Rajya Sabha MP Ghulam Ali Khatana celebrated Holi with BJP party workers and local residents. He visited villages including Pangrian, Manjakote and Barote, interacting with villagers and extending festive greetings. For the first time, the annual Bhairav Yatra was organised here with vibrant cultural performances, adding a new cultural dimension to the traditional festivities. The celebrations featured a colourful tableaux (Jhanki) depicting Ashta Bhairav, coupled with an engaging street play (Nukkad Natak), highlighting the significance and heritage of the yatra. The atmosphere was further enlivened by traditional folk performances featuring Dhol and Shehnai, which resonated with the festive spirit of the occasion coinciding with Holi.
DC Rajouri, Abhishek Sharma was chief Guest during the celebrations.
In Kishtwar, Holi was celebrated with enthusiasm as locals joined security personnel in the festivities. MLA Kishtwar Shagun Parihar participated in the celebrations alongside CRPF and Jammu and Kashmir Police personnel, conveying greetings to the people and lauding the spirit of unity displayed on the occasion.
Poonch district witnessed vibrant celebrations, with the main programme organised at Shri Geeta Bhawan under the aegis of Sanatan Dharam Sabha. A religious procession passed through key areas of the town, drawing participation from members of different communities. Deputy Commissioner Poonch Ashok Kumar Sharma conveyed greetings and appreciated the peaceful conduct of celebrations.
In Udhampur, a mega Holi procession was organised by Beopar Mandal in collaboration with the district administration. The procession commenced from Radha Krishan Temple, Adarsh Colony, and moved through the main markets of the city, spreading the message of communal harmony.
Adequate security arrangements were put in place, with DySP Headquarters Prehlad Sharma stating that all necessary measures were put in place to ensure peaceful celebrations. Vice-President of Beopar Mandal Rahul Magotra expressed gratitude for the cooperation of traders and citizens.
Educational institutions including University of Jammu and institutes at district headquarters across the region also organised cultural programmes and colour-themed events, with students and officials participating in celebrations marked by music, dance and distribution of sweets. —(KNO)
