In a powerful speech at the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah condemned the recent Pahalgam terror attack, calling it an act that has united the entire country in grief. The attack on April 22 killed 25 tourists and a Kashmiri local, sparking nationwide outrage.
Abdullah read out the names and home states of each victim, emphasizing that the tragedy affected people from every corner of India. “From Arunachal to Gujarat, Jammu and Kashmir to Kerala, the whole country has come in the throes of this attack,” he said.
The Chief Minister expressed deep sorrow over the incident, stating that Kashmir had begun to believe such violence was a thing of the past. “Unfortunately, Baisaran has brought back the fear of where the next attack will happen,” he added.
Abdullah highlighted the emotional toll on victims’ families, recalling his inability to console them. “What could I say to children who saw their fathers covered in blood? Or to the Navy officer’s widow, married just days ago? They asked what their mistake was—coming to Kashmir for the first time,” he said.
He strongly rejected the terrorists’ claim that the attack was carried out for Kashmiris. “Did we ask for this? Did we agree to 26 people being sent back in coffins in our name? No. This attack has hollowed us out,” Abdullah declared.
The Chief Minister found hope in the widespread public protests across Kashmir. “From Kathua to Kupwara, every town and village saw people saying, ‘Not in my name.’ This is spontaneous anger, and it’s the first time in over two decades such unity has been seen,” he said.
Abdullah stressed that terrorism can only end when people stand with the administration. “We can control militancy with guns, but we cannot end it without public support. Today, it seems people are reaching there,” he said.
He praised the bravery of locals who risked their lives to help tourists, including Syed Adil Hussain Shah, a pony ride operator who died protecting visitors. “Who would have blamed him if he fled? But he chose to face danger,” Abdullah said. He also commended others who offered free rides, food, and shelter to tourists after the attack.
The Chief Minister acknowledged that some Kashmiri students faced backlash in other states but thanked local governments for controlling the situation.
Opposition leaders, including BJP’s Sunil Sharma, supported Abdullah’s response, calling the all-party meeting and special Assembly session crucial steps.
The speech marked a rare moment of political unity in Jammu and Kashmir, with Abdullah’s words resonating as a call for peace and collective resistance against terrorism.
Disclaimer: The views and statements expressed in this article are based on the speech by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and reactions from political leaders. The facts have been sourced from available reports.
Source – ndtv
