J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said the United States must rein in Israel to ensure the ceasefire holds, cautioning that continued strikes could derail peace efforts in the Middle East.
He also criticised the conduct of the US President Donald Trump, alleging “inconsistency in statements and inappropriate language,” saying it does not befit the office.
Chief Minister told reporters in Srinagar on the sidelines of a function that Iran did not initiate the conflict and the war was “imposed” on it. He questioned the outcomes claimed by the United States after the ceasefire.
Omar called on Washington to “control Israel,” expressing concern over continued strikes in Lebanon and civilian casualties.
He maintained that if the ceasefire fails, responsibility should not be placed on Iran but on Israel.
Regarding the criticism by Congress on India’s foreign policy, Omar said he would not label it a failure or success but acknowledged that Pakistan “managed to do what others could not.”
He added that India’s close ties with Israel may have limited its diplomatic space, suggesting that New Delhi could otherwise have played a more effective role given its relations with both the US and Iran.
Omar said if Pakistan contributed to it, “it should be appreciated and we should move forward.”
On Women’s reservation bill, Omar questioned the need for it, saying Parliament had already passed legislation on the issue and the government must clarify what has changed.
He said that while there was broad support for women’s reservation, the earlier law—passed by the present government—had clearly linked its implementation to the completion of a census and subsequent delimitation exercise.
“If I’m not mistaken, a women’s reservation bill has already been passed by Parliament. It needs to be explained why a new bill is required,” Omar said, adding that no clear answers had been provided so far.
Referring to the timeline outlined earlier, he noted that the provisions were expected to come into effect after the post-2030 census, with implementation likely around the 2029 general elections.
“What has changed now” he asked, pointing out that the legislation was introduced and passed by the same Bharatiya Janata Party-led NDA government, not inherited from a previous regime.
Omar reiterated support for women’s reservation but said “something is not right,” urging the Government of India, particularly the BJP, to “come clean” on why a fresh bill is being considered despite an existing law already in place.
Omar Abdullah also expressed concern over the shrinking of water bodies in Jammu and Kashmir, saying the issue is “self-evident” and does not require a Comptroller and Auditor General of India report to highlight it.
He said lakes and water bodies across the region—both in and around Srinagar and in rural areas—have either significantly shrunk or disappeared altogether.
“We are living this reality. Our water bodies have shrunk due to urbanisation, pressure on land and also because of climate change,” Omar said.
He noted that while some factors contributing to environmental degradation are within human control, others are part of a broader global challenge. However, he stressed the urgent need for greater environmental awareness and responsibility.
Calling for collective action, Omar said protecting the environment is not solely the responsibility of the government but of every citizen. He questioned whether people are willing to pass on a degraded environment to future generations.
Highlighting everyday practices, he urged citizens to reduce plastic use, asking why individuals cannot carry their own bags instead of relying on plastic.
