Drone, missile attack on Jammu worst since 1971 war, says Omar Abdullah

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday said targeting of Jammu with drones and missiles by Pakistan on May 8 was the worst attack on the region since the 1971 Indo-Pak war.

 

“Since the 1971 war, this is the first time Jammu city has come under such an assault,” Abdullah said at a camp for displaced people of border areas of the region due to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan after Operation Sindoor.

 

Abdullah travelled to Jammu by road due to the suspension of flight operations at Srinagar airport following Operation Sindoor.

 

He expressed concern that civilian areas were targeted, including an attempt to strike an ammunition depot in Kashmir. He said none of the drones or missiles reached their targets as they were successfully neutralised by the air defence units of the armed forces.

 

He praised the armed forces for their quick and effective response. “Our forces deserve full credit. They shot down all the drones. Not a single one hit its target,” he said.

 

Abdullah criticised Pakistan for trying to raise tensions and warned that such actions could backfire. “They tried to escalate things first around 9 p.m. and again at 4:30 a.m.,’’ he said. “But any conflict will hurt them more. It’s better for them to choose peace.” 

 

He also warned that India is better prepared for any future attacks. “If they want to start drone warfare, our drones are stronger and more advanced, he said. “Any escalation will only bring them more losses.” 

 

He spoke about the difficulties faced by families who had to leave their homes due to the attacks. 

 

“This is not easy. People left their homes out of fear. But we are trying to make things as comfortable as possible,” he said. 

 

Relief camps have been set up with food, medical help, and transport.

 

He shared a touching moment when children in one of the camps asked for sports items. “Thanks to our sports minister, some equipment was already in the vehicle. If we can bring a little happiness to these children, even now, it means something,” he said. 

 

He said that a seriously injured person had been flown to PGI Chandigarh for emergency treatment and remains in critical condition. The deputy chief minister is on his way to Poonch to meet affected families.

India