‘Education key to J&K’s transformation’
JAMMU: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday strongly condemned the Delhi blast that claimed 13 lives, calling it a heinous act of terror that deserves the “strictest punishment.” However, he cautioned against painting all Kashmiris with the same brush, emphasising that only a few individuals are responsible for disturbing peace and harmony in Jammu and Kashmir.
The chief minister said only a few elements were responsible for disturbing peace and harmony in the region.
A blast in an explosives-laden car, which was being driven by Dr Umar Nabi, who hailed from south Kashmir’s Pulwama, near the Red Fort in Delhi killed 12 people and injured several others on November 10. He has emerged as key in a terror network spanning Kashmir, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.
The blast occurred hours after the recovery of around 360 kg of suspected ammonium nitrate and a cache of arms and ammunition from the rented accommodation of another Kashmiri doctor, Muzammil Ganaie, in Faridabad, bordering Delhi.
Muzammil is among the eight people, including seven Kashmiris, arrested for their alleged links to the interstate ‘white collar’ Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror module centred in Faridabad.
Talking to reporters here, Abdullah said, “These few people are responsible for this attack. Those who are guilty should be given the strictest punishment, and innocent people should not get caught in it.”
“No amount of condemnation is enough for this incident. The brutal killing of innocent people in such a manner is extremely shameful. No one can justify such an act. The investigation will continue,” he said.
Emphasising that the entire population of Jammu and Kashmir cannot be branded as sympathisers of terrorism, the chief minister said only a few elements were responsible for disturbing peace and harmony in the region.
“Every resident of Jammu and Kashmir is not a terrorist. Not every Kashmiri is on the side of terrorists. It is only a handful of people who have tried to disturb the peace and harmony here,” he said.
“When we begin to look at every Kashmiri Muslim through the same lens and try to give the impression that every Kashmiri Muslim is a terrorist, it becomes very difficult to keep things on the right track,” he said.
Abdullah said those responsible for the attack should be brought to justice and given the harshest punishment while ensuring that innocent people are not harassed.
“Those who are guilty must face the strictest punishment. Innocent people should not get caught in it,” he added.
Replying to questions about the arrest of Arif Nisar Dar, a doctor from Srinagar’s SMHS Hospital who was sacked in 2023 by the Lt Governor for alleged terror links, Abdullah asked why no legal action was taken earlier despite the availability of evidence.
“What is new about this? Haven’t we seen university professors involved before? I even remember an associate professor earlier. Where is it written that educated people cannot get involved in such things?
“If you believed he had terror links and you had evidence, why didn’t you take that evidence to court? Why was he not prosecuted? Merely dismissing someone from service doesn’t end the matter — and today, we are seeing the result of that,” he said.
Dar, from Nowgam in Srinagar, is among the eight people arrested in connection with the terror module.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday emphasised that education is the most powerful tool for equity and empowerment and it must reach every corner of the Union territory.
Addressing the 19th Special Convocation of the University of Jammu here, Abdullah said, “Jammu and Kashmir stands at the threshold of transformation. Education is at the heart of this journey — empowering our youth to become innovators, entrepreneurs, and nation builders.”
He urged the youth to become agents of positive change in society and choose an occupation that gives them purpose, challenges their abilities, and enables them to lead a life that balances ambition with compassion.
He said institutions like the University of Jammu continue to serve as “catalysts of progress”, not only by producing skilled graduates but also by inspiring responsible, compassionate, and resilient citizens.
“As we march ahead, let us ensure that the light of knowledge reaches every corner — from this campus, from the campuses of Kathua and Bhaderwah, to the remotest hamlets of Poonch, Rajouri, and Kishtwar,” the chief minister said in his address.
Congratulating the medal and degree recipients, Abdullah said, “The medals and degrees you receive are symbols of your perseverance, your teachers’ guidance, and your families’ unconditional support. Carry forward the values you have learnt — integrity, curiosity, and humanity.”
He asserted that success is not measured by what one achieves for themselves, but how they contribute towards society.
“I urge you to dream big, think boldly, serve selflessly, and contribute to building a nation marked by progress, harmony, and inclusivity,” Abdullah said.
The chief minister also hailed the remarkable performance by female students in various courses at the institute.
Over 400 girls out of a total of 600 candidates received medals during the convocation ceremony, presided over by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Abdullah.
Vice-Chancellor Prof Umesh Rai said the event is special because “female scholars have outperformed their male counterparts by a ratio of nearly three to one in securing PhD degrees and gold medals this year — a proud reflection of women’s growing leadership in higher education”.
He said 425 PhD degrees were awarded between 2020 and 2024, including 71 for the 2020 batch, 62 for 2021, 83 for 2022, 105 for 2023, and 104 for 2024.
Similarly, 178 gold medals were awarded during the period — 43 in 2020, 55 in 2021, 41 in 2022, and 39 in 2023.
