Omar Abdullah Slams Pakistan’s Response After Civilian Deaths

Pakistan Draws Flak from Omar Abdullah After Civilian Killings

Written by: Supriya Kadu

Edited by: Pinky Deshmukh

Last Updated: May 07, 2025

Summary: J&K CM Omar Abdullah called Pakistan’s retaliation after Operation Sindoor disproportionate, following the death of 10 civilians in cross-border shelling.

Omar Abdullah, the chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, harshly condemned Pakistan's response to India's most recent military operation, Operation Sindoor. He expressed deep concern over the killing of ten civilians in Pakistani shelling across the border, calling their response “not proportionate” to the situation.

The civilian deaths occurred in areas near the Line of Control after Pakistan launched retaliatory attacks following India's targeted airstrikes on terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Operation Sindoor, carried out by India earlier this week, aimed at eliminating terror bases allegedly linked to the recent Pahalgam attack.

Abdullah emphasized that while both nations have the right to defend themselves, civilian lives should never become casualties of political or military retaliation. “We responded with precision strikes on terror bases. Pakistan's response, however, seems indiscriminate and has led to innocent deaths,” he stated during a media briefing in Srinagar.

He asked the central government to guarantee the protection of those residing in border areas and called for a quick de-escalation. Local governments are trying to move residents from the high-risk areas, and security measures are increased in districts that are at risk.

As the two countries exchange declarations and warnings, emotions are still high. In order to prevent further escalation in the already delicate area, the international community has urged both sides to exercise prudence.