Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday highlighted the challenges faced by the people of the union territory in the aftermath of the recent blast in Delhi, voicing concerns over the generalization of blame to the entire Kashmiri population. Abdullah emphasized that the actions of a few individuals have led to an environment in which all residents of Kashmir are being viewed with suspicion.

The blast, which occurred near the Red Fort on November 10, claimed 10 lives and prompted a multi-agency investigation involving the Delhi Police Special Cell, the National Investigation Agency (NIA), and the Delhi Crime Branch. The prime suspect was identified as Dr. Umar Un Nabi from Pulwama, who was driving the vehicle that exploded. Two of his associates, Dr. Muzammil Shakeel Ganaie, also from Pulwama, and Dr. Adeel Ahmed Rather from Anantnag, were reportedly part of the broader “white collar” terror module linked to the attack.

Abdullah noted that the fallout of the attack had unfairly cast suspicion on the wider Kashmiri community. Speaking at an event in Kulgam, he said, “In the prevailing circumstances, 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 defame us for someone else’s doing, when attempts are made to bring everyone into the ambit of what few people have done, then it is obvious that it becomes difficult for us to leave for outside.”

He stressed that only a few individuals were responsible for the attack, yet a perception was being created that all Kashmiris were to blame. Abdullah expressed concern about everyday activities being scrutinized due to this bias, noting, “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 myself think whether I should take out my car or not, as I do not know if anyone will stop me and ask me where I was from and why I had come there.”

This statement comes after Abdullah, in previous remarks following the blast, urged that not every Kashmiri Muslim should be assumed guilty and stressed the importance of distinguishing between innocent residents and perpetrators of terrorism. “Any amount of condemnation would be too small. No religion allows merciless killings of innocent people. The investigations have been initiated but not every resident of J&K is a terrorist and every resident is not standing with the terrorists,” he said.

The Chief Minister’s comments underscore the broader challenge of managing public perception and communal sensitivities following acts of terrorism. While law enforcement agencies continue their investigations into the Delhi blast, Abdullah’s remarks highlight the collateral impact on ordinary citizens from Kashmir, who face social suspicion and scrutiny even for routine actions such as driving vehicles outside the union territory.

By drawing attention to this perception problem, Abdullah aims to ensure that the ongoing investigation into the blast does not translate into collective punishment for the residents of Jammu and Kashmir. His observations reflect the broader concern that in the aftermath of terror incidents, entire communities can become unfairly stigmatized, affecting mobility, everyday life, and social interactions for innocent people.

The November 10 incident remains under investigation, with authorities continuing to examine the networks and logistics behind the blast. Abdullah’s emphasis on separating the guilty from the innocent serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between security measures and civil liberties, especially for communities that may already be vulnerable to stereotyping in the national context.