Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has appealed to the nation to avoid stereotyping Kashmiri Muslims in the wake of the Delhi car blast, stressing that a handful of individuals cannot define an entire community. His statement comes amid arrests of several doctors from Kashmir linked to the explosive-laden Hyundai i20 that detonated near the Red Fort Metro Station on November 10, killing at least 13 people and injuring nearly two dozen.

Omar Abdullah calls for sensitivity, condemns the attack

Speaking in Jammu, Abdullah strongly condemned the blast, asserting that no faith supports the killing of innocents. He cautioned against painting all residents of Jammu and Kashmir with the same brush.

He said that only a “few people” have repeatedly disrupted peace, and warned that generalising all Kashmiri Muslims as terrorists would harm efforts to maintain communal harmony. His remarks follow the arrest of Dr Umar Mohammad, Dr Muzammil, and Dr Adeel Rather—doctors from Pulwama and Anantnag—whose alleged links to the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad have surfaced in the ongoing investigation.

‘Educated individuals too can be involved in terror’

Responding to concerns about the suspects’ professional background, Abdullah noted that even individuals in esteemed positions can be influenced into such activities. He referred to earlier cases involving academics and insisted that educational qualifications cannot be the parameter to rule out extremist involvement.

He emphasised that those involved must face strict punishment, while innocent individuals must not be dragged into suspicion.

Questions raised over security lapses

The Chief Minister also questioned possible lapses that may have allowed the suspects to operate unchecked. He expressed concern over the lack of follow-up investigation after one of the doctors was reportedly expelled from a previous job. Abdullah said that the state administration would fully support the Centre to maintain normalcy.

The three doctors—Dr Muzammil, Dr Adeel, and Shaheen Saeed from Lucknow—are currently in police custody. They were employed at Al Falah University in Faridabad, where the blast conspiracy is believed to have been planned.

UNICEF India has appointed National Award-winning actor Keerthy Suresh as a Celebrity Advocate. An influential actor celebrated across Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam cinema, Keerthy joins a distinguished group of personalities who champion the rights of children with UNICEF. In this role, she will lend her voice and influence to advance children’s and adolescents’ mental health and well-being, along with other key child rights priorities, helping to build greater awareness and action for every child.

Keerthy is known for her thoughtful portrayal of women who challenge social barrier.  Her choice of films reflects her belief in gender equality, empowerment, and social change.With UNICEF, the actor will advocate onmental health, education and gender equality – causes that Keerthy supports both on and off screen.

“UNICEF India is pleased to join hands with esteemed actor, Keerthy Suresh. Her profound connection with audiences provides a powerful and inspiring platform to advocate for children’s rights and well-being. As UNICEF India’s Celebrity Advocate, she brings passion and influence to our shared mission to reach every child, every young person – especially the most vulnerable – with the quality support and services they need to be safe, healthy and equipped to pursue their dreams,” said Cynthia McCaffrey, Representative, UNICEF India.

“Children are our greatest responsibility and our greatest hope. I have always believed that nurturing, loving care builds the foundation for children to develop the social and emotional skills they need to lead happy, healthy, and fulfilling lives. I am honoured to join hands with UNICEF India to raise awareness and inspire action so that every child, regardless of background or ability, can thrive,” said Keerthy Suresh.

Mental health is an integral component of health and well-being and influences academic, social and economic outcomes across the lifespan. Having good mental health means being better able to interact with others, function, cope and thrive. It is a basic human right. Positive mental health and well-being are essential for children to reach their full potential.

In India, nearly 50 million children and adolescents are affected by mental health challenges, yet few seek support due to stigma and limited access to services. UNICEF works with the government and partners to raise awareness, break the stigma, and expand access to mental health and psychosocial support for every child.

The Centre has initiated an Enforcement Directorate (ED) investigation into the funding of Al Falah University in Faridabad after it emerged as a crucial link in the ongoing probe into the November 10 Delhi blast. Several doctors associated with the university have been detained in connection with the case, prompting authorities to trace the financial trail behind the institution.

University under scanner after arrests of four doctors

According to the information provided, at least four doctors from Al Falah University have been linked to the blast that occurred in the national capital, leaving 13 people dead and many others injured. Investigators believe that the conspiracy behind the explosion was allegedly planned within the university premises.

Al Falah University, located around 27 km from the Delhi-Haryana border and spread over 70 acres, has denied any association with the detained suspects. However, the arrest of four of its doctors — Dr Umar Mohammad, Dr Shaheen Saeed, Dr Adil Rather, and Dr Muzammil Shakeel — has brought the institution under intense scrutiny.

Dr Umar Mohammad, the driver of the Hyundai i20 car that exploded on Monday, was a doctor at the university. The others are also currently in police custody for questioning.

Incriminating materials recovered during investigation

A search conducted at the room of Dr Muzammil Shakeel inside the university led to the recovery of incriminating items, including coded messages written in diaries and several electronic devices. These findings have further strengthened investigators’ suspicion that the location may have been used for planning activities related to the blast.

Authorities have now directed the ED to track the institution’s financial records to determine whether any irregular funding played a role in facilitating the alleged conspiracy.