'Not all Kashmiris are terrorists': Omar Abdullah after Delhi blast
What's the story
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has stated unequivocally that all Kashmiri Muslims cannot be termed terrorists. "Not every resident of Jammu and Kashmir is a terrorist or associated with terrorists. These are only a few people who have always ruined peace and brotherhood here," he said. His comments come after the car blast near the Red Fort Metro Station on November 10, which killed at least 13 people and injured nearly two dozen others.
Condemnation expressed
Only a few people disturb peace: Abdullah
Abdullah also said that those behind the blast should be "severely punished" when asked about the professional background of the terror suspects, most of whom are doctors. "Have we not seen the professor of Universities before this? Who says that educated people don't get involved in such things? They do," he told reporters. At least three doctors have been arrested in connection with the blast investigation, including two from Kashmir and one from Lucknow.
Blast investigation
Doctors arrested for alleged links to JeM
Dr. Umar Mohammad and Dr. Muzammil are from Pulwama, while Dr. Adeel Rather is from Anantnag. Umar was allegedly driving the i20 that exploded near the Red Fort. Another doctor, Shaheen Shahid, from Lucknow, has also been arrested. They worked together at the Al Falah University in Faridabad, where the blast conspiracy was allegedly hatched. Their alleged links to the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terror group have surfaced during the investigation.
Security concerns
Abdullah questions 'security failure'
Abdullah also questioned the "security failure" that allowed the blast to happen. He wondered if any investigation was conducted after a doctor linked to the blast was expelled from his previous job. "I am shocked by the fact that, though they were expelled from the job, what kind of investigation was undertaken after that? Why was prosecution not carried out?" he asked.
Mastermind revealed
Turkey-based handler identified as mastermind behind blasts
According to TOI, investigators have identified a Turkey-based handler, codenamed Ukasa, as the mastermind behind the terror plot. Ukasa allegedly served as the key conduit between the terror module and the handlers of the Pakistan-backed outfits Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind (AGuH). Ukasa is believed to have directed the module led by Al-Falah University professor Umar. The conspiracy was reportedly hatched in Turkey as early as 2022 with plans for coordinated attacks involving multiple vehicle-borne IEDs followed by armed assaults.