Srinagar: National Conference MP Aga Ruhullah Mehdi on Monday publicly criticised Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for not explicitly condemning the reported assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei.
In a post on X, Mehdi said expressions of “concern” over developments in Iran were insufficient if they did not clearly denounce what he described as an act of aggression against a sovereign nation. Without directly naming the Chief Minister, the Srinagar MP suggested that failing to issue a firm condemnation would diminish the credibility of such statements among those who held the Iranian leader in high regard.
Mehdi argued that if there was hesitation in speaking out due to political considerations at the Centre, it would be better not to comment at all. His remarks underline visible strains within the ruling Jammu & Kashmir National Conference.
A day earlier, Omar Abdullah had posted that he was deeply concerned about the unfolding situation in Iran and appealed for calm, urging communities to maintain peace and avoid actions that could trigger unrest.
Separately, a statement attributed to party president Farooq Abdullah condemned the killing, calling it a destabilising development with serious consequences for regional peace and stability.
The exchange highlights internal differences within the party over how strongly to respond to escalating tensions in West Asia.