Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has expressed deep concern over the recent wave of arrests across the Valley in the aftermath of the Kulgam incident, urging authorities not to send a message that collective punishment is being meted out to the people of Kashmir.

Addressing the growing unrest and backlash from residents, Abdullah remarked, "What happened in Kulgam shouldn't have happened, but not only Kulgam, the news of arrests, which is coming from different places in Kashmir—for the first time, the people of Jammu & Kashmir, especially Kashmir, came on the street against the attack and have shown their anger. This message shouldn't be conveyed to them that they all are being punished."

His remarks come as security agencies have reportedly detained several individuals across districts, leading to rising tensions in the region. Local communities have taken to the streets in protest, demanding transparency and accountability.