Srinagar, November 19, 2025 : Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday expressed deep concern over the growing distrust faced by the people of Jammu and Kashmir across the country in the wake of the recent car blast near Red Fort in Delhi. He said that the actions of a few individuals should not lead to the vilification of an entire population.
Speaking at an event in Kulgam, Abdullah said Kashmiris—especially students and workers—were becoming hesitant to travel outside the Union territory due to widespread suspicion.
“In the prevailing circumstances, perhaps parents will not like to send their children outside. When we are looked at with suspicious eyes from every side… when attempts are made to bring everyone into the ambit of what a few people have done, it becomes difficult for us to leave for outside,” he said.
The Chief Minister admitted that the situation was painful, yet unavoidable under the current narrative.
“Few people are responsible for what happened in Delhi, but a perception is being created that we all are to blame. It does not feel good to say this, but that is the reality,” he added.
Abdullah also shared his own apprehensions, admitting he feels uneasy driving his Jammu & Kashmir–registered vehicle in the national capital.
“Today, even driving a J-K registration vehicle in Delhi is being seen as a crime. When I do not have many security personnel with me, I think twice before taking out my car. I cannot be sure if someone will stop me and question where I’m from and why I am here,” he said.
The November 10 Red Fort car explosion, which claimed 15 lives, has prompted a large-scale multi-agency probe involving the Delhi Police Special Cell, NIA, and Crime Branch.
Since the incident, authorities in Faridabad alone have verified more than 500 people from Jammu and Kashmir as part of intensified security checks.
