Srinagar, March 4 -- Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday appealed to the people to maintain peace and communal harmony and express their sentiments peacefully.

Chairing a meeting with civil society members and religious leaders from across the Valley, Abdullah said the deliberations focused on consolidating a peaceful atmosphere in the region.

"We met civil society members and various stakeholders from across the Valley. We spoke about how peace can prevail. A common appeal was made for peace," he told reporters after the meeting.

Thanking the participants for issuing a joint appeal, the chief minister urged people to channel their emotions responsibly.

"Whatever we have to express - our anger, our condolences,...