Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday (November 19, 2025) voiced strong concern over what he described as the growing stereotyping and suspicion faced by Kashmiris following the recent Red Fort blast in New Delhi that claimed 13 lives.

Speaking at the J&K Business and Trade Fair in Kulgam, Abdullah said that the tragic incident had created a climate of fear so pervasive that “all Kashmiris are being portrayed as suspects.”

He went on to admit that even he felt anxious travelling in the national capital. “I also think twice whether to drive or not in New Delhi with a J&K number plate. What if I am stopped and questioned?” he remarked.

Abdullah said the perception that all Kashmiris were linked to the attack was unfair and damaging.

“Such a situation has been created that no father would like to send his kid outside. Everyone looks at Kashmiris with suspicion because of the involvement of a few,” he said, adding that this would make it harder for people from the Valley to seek opportunities outside the region.

The Chief Minister also challenged the Centre’s assertion that peace had returned to Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of provisions of Article 370 in 2019.

“We were told violence had ended and peace prevailed. However, the reality on the ground has not changed. Ordinary citizens are still paying the price. If it is not exploding in Delhi, it is exploding here,” Abdullah said, noting that the region had lived under the shadow of violence for three decades.

Pointing out that law and order and security do not fall under his jurisdiction as the head of a Union Territory (UT), Abdullah said responsibility lay with those overseeing security operations. “Why is this still happening? You should ask those responsible for our security. We don’t have that responsibility,” he stated.

Abdullah also shared that he had spent the last two days visiting the families of five victims of recent blasts in Kashmir, underscoring the human cost of the continuing cycle of violence.