Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday voiced strong support for Operation Sindoor, stating that India had no choice but to respond to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives.
Speaking to ANI, Abdullah said the Indian response was targeted and justified, striking terror camps that had long spread violence in the region. “India didn’t target civilian or military areas but struck where chaos and destruction had been bred for 30-35 years. These were the people who brought death to Pahalgam,” he said.
He stressed that the current tensions could have been avoided had the attack in Pahalgam not occurred. “We were living peacefully. Tourism was rising. There was a ceasefire at the LoC. These weren’t our doing—but we had to act,” he noted, adding that it is now up to Pakistan to decide the extent of escalation.
Abdullah said he convened a video conference with district collectors in border areas to assess the ground situation. “Some losses have been reported. Funds have been released, and evacuation plans with ambulances and transport are in place if needed,” he said.
Calling for calm, the CM assured citizens there was no need to panic, with highways open, blood banks well-stocked, and essential supplies available. “Schools are open in Jammu and Srinagar. Only the Srinagar airport is shut. Please don’t flee—we are prepared,” he urged.
Operation Sindoor, launched early Wednesday, saw coordinated strikes by Indian forces on nine terror camps in Pakistan and PoJK in retaliation for the Pahalgam massacre. All targets were hit successfully, according to defence sources.
