Jamu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said on Monday that his government would strengthen the People’s Crusade against terrorism because only public cooperation can defeat it. However, Abdullah warned that the government should avoid any steps that would alienate the public.
“When people are with us, armed or terrorism will end. Given the anger of people towards terror, if we take the appropriate steps, this is the beginning of its end,” the chief minister said. “We should not take any steps to alienate people. We cannot control terrorists with guns, but if people are with us, we can end the armed. I think the time has come.”
Abdullah, referring to the unprecedented and spontaneous protests in Jamu and Kashmir, said Jamia Masjid in Srinagar had observed two minutes of silence for the first time before praying on Friday. “We can understand what it means. We will work to strengthen this change,” the Chief Minister said.
