Former Jammu and Kashmir chief ministers Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti on Friday, February 15 appealed to political leaders and civil society to ensure that communal violence is prevented in Jammu in the aftermath of the Pulwama terrorist attack. As per reports, a dozen people were injured and vehicles were burnt a day after the incident in a mob attack.
National Conference leader Abdullah posted tweets underlining that Kashmiris or Muslims in Jammu were not responsible for the death of CRPF jawans in Pulwama terrorist attack.
Giving vent to anger by attacking innocent people because of their ethnicity or religion is no way to honour the sacrifices yesterday. Reports of violence & arson in #Jammu are deeply worrying. I hope political leaders & civil society are able to ensure cooler heads prevail.
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) February 15, 2019
Kashmiris/Muslims in Jammu didn’t attack our CRPF jawans yesterday, terrorists did. This violence is a convenient tool by some to shift the blame. Let’s unite against terror let’s not allow terror to divide us.
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) February 15, 2019
My earnest appeal to @rajnathsingh ji to please issue directions to all state governments to take special care in areas/colleges/institutions where Kashmiris are residing/studying. They are soft targets in a surcharged atmosphere.
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) February 15, 2019
If the security forces & the administration’s attention is shifted to dealing with communal violence in #Jammu instead of investigating yesterday’s attack & preventing further attacks who are we helping with the arson & violence?
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) February 15, 2019
Have been in touch with J&K police officials regarding the situation in #Jammu. I’ve been assured that two columns of army have been requisitioned & moved to the most vulnerable areas to take control of the situation.
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) February 15, 2019
It should never have been allowed to reach this point. Preemptive measures should have been taken this morning knowing that it is Friday & congregations would assemble for prayers. I hope the situation is now defused without further loss.
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) February 15, 2019
People’s Democratic Party chief Mehbooba Mufti also pointed out that Governor Satya Pal Malik should have preempted this is by securing minority-dominated areas. She added that the need of the hour is to stay together and show compassion.
Distressed to hear about miscreants in Jammu trying to take advantage of the situation by inciting tension. Guv adm should have preempted this by securing minority dominated areas. Have spoken to IG Jammu to deploy additional security.
— Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) February 15, 2019
It will be a travesty & against the spirit of our secular ethno-cultural values to use this terror attack as an excuse to target minorities. Hour of the need is to show compassion & come together.
— Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) February 15, 2019
According to the NDTV report, curfew was imposed in parts of Jammu city after a mob created ruckus and injured a dozen people by throwing stones and torching cars. Several people gathered on the streets — Jewel Chowk, Purani Mundi, Rehari, Shaktinagar, Pacca Danga, Janipur, Gandhinagar and Bakshinagar — and held anti-Pakistan protests. In the old city, the crowd reportedly refused to budge even after the curfew was announced. In Jammu city, people stayed indoors and the marketplaces also remained closed.
Also read: Stand With Government, No Other Conversation: Rahul Gandhi On Pulwama Attack