𝐎𝐦𝐚𝐫 𝐀𝐛𝐝𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐡 𝐁𝐥𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐏𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐁𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬

Samba, May 9: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday accused Pakistan of intentionally trying to heighten tensions along the border, but emphasized that such provocations would not benefit them.

He praised the Indian defense forces for successfully intercepting drone attacks aimed at civilian areas.

Speaking to reporters in Samba, Abdullah said, “The main concern is that civilians were targeted. Drones were used, but full credit goes to our defense forces for shooting them down. In Anantnag, a strike on an ammunition depot was also prevented.”

He stressed that India was not the one to escalate the conflict. “We didn’t start this. Innocent civilians were killed in Pahalgam, and we had to respond. Pakistan is trying to increase tensions, but this approach won’t help them. They should put down their weapons and choose peace over provocation,” he added.

The Chief Minister confirmed that there were heavy casualties and significant property damage in Poonch. “I visited the injured at the hospital; they are being treated. One critically injured person was taken to Chandigarh earlier today for surgery,” he said.

When asked about support for affected families, Abdullah responded, “We’re providing all possible assistance — meals, tea, medical camps, ambulances, and whatever else is needed.”

Earlier in the day, he also visited Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu to check on civilians wounded in recent cross-border shelling.