Will not use terror attack to push for statehood restoration: Omar
Jammu Tawi: The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly unanimously passed a resolution on Monday expressing shock and anguish over the Pahalgam attack on tourists and resolved to fight resolutely to defeat the nefarious designs to disturb communal harmony and hinder progress.
The resolution, moved by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary during a special session of the Assembly, was passed by voice vote.
At the beginning of the session, House members observed a two-minute silence to pay homage to the 26 people killed in the attack last week. “The Legislative Assembly of Jammu and Kashmir reaffirms its unwavering commitment to foster an environment of peace, development, and inclusive prosperity for all its citizens, and to resolutely defeat the nefarious designs of those who seek to disturb the communal harmony and progress of the nation and of Jammu and Kashmir,” the resolution stated.
Concluding a discussion on the resolution, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who also holds the tourism portfolio, condemned the Pahalgam terror attack and admitted that he failed in his responsibility of ensuring a safe return for tourists.
“As the chief minister and tourism minister of Jammu and Kashmir, I had invited these people here. It was my responsibility to ensure they were sent back safely to their homes. I could not send them back,” he said.
Abdullah further said he had no words to apologise to them. “What could I have told a child whose father was stained with blood wounds, or to the woman who was just married? They were seeking answers as to what their mistake was, as they had come for the first time to enjoy holidays in Kashmir,” he said.
He said the security in Jammu and Kashmir is not the responsibility of the elected government.
“But I will not use this opportunity (terror attack) to seek statehood. How can I push for statehood or business rules using the Pahalgam terror attack?”
Underlining the impact of the ghastly attack on the entire country, he said, “From north to south and from east to west… from Arunachal to Gujarat and Jammu and Kashmir to Kerala… the entire country has been affected by this attack.”
Abdullah said the attack on civilians in Pahalgam took place after a gap of 21 years.
“We thought such attacks were a story of the past. Unfortunately, this (Pahalgam) attack has recreated a situation we hoped had been left behind. We never know when another such attack might take place. I do not have the words to seek forgiveness from the families who lost their dear ones,” he said.
The chief minister, however, noted that even in the face of this inhuman and dastardly attack, a new ray of hope has emerged from Kashmir. “For the first time in many years, I witnessed protests that were truly unified. No political party or leader orchestrated them, and no organised banners or candlelight marches were planned. The outrage and grief were spontaneous, coming straight from the hearts of the people. Every mosque observed silence,” he said.
Abdullah also emphasised that this change must be encouraged and strengthened. “We must boost and nurture this spirit of unity, compassion, and resilience that has emerged from among the people themselves,” he added.
Addressing the Assembly earlier while moving the resolution, Deputy Chief Minister Choudhary said, “This House expresses its profound shock and anguish at the barbaric and inhuman attack on innocent civilians in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025.”
He reiterated the House’s unequivocal condemnation of the heinous and cowardly act that resulted in the loss of innocent lives.
This House stands in full solidarity with the victims and their families, the document stated. “We extend our deepest condolences to those who have suffered irreparable loss and affirm our collective resolve to share their grief and support them in their hour of need.”
It mentioned the supreme sacrifice of pony ride operator Syed Adil Hussain Shah who laid down his life while trying to save the tourists.
“His courage and selflessness embody the true spirit of Kashmir and shall serve as an enduring inspiration for future generations.”
“This House commends the people of Kashmir and Jammu for their extraordinary display of unity, compassion, and resilience in the aftermath of the attack.
It appealed to all states and Union territories to ensure the safety, dignity and well-being of Kashmiri students and citizens residing or travelling there, and to take all necessary measures to prevent their harassment, discrimination or intimidation.
Speaking on the issue, Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather emphasized the urgent need for all members of the House to collaborate in creating a safe and conducive atmosphere for tourists. “We urge the government to take immediate measures to enhance the safety and security of tourists, residents, and students from outside the region. All members should collaborate diligently towards achieving this goal,” Rather said.
Later, Speaker Rather adjourned the House sine die.
Homage paid to terror victims
Jammu Tawi, Apr 28: The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly observed a two-minute silence on Monday to pay homage to the 26 people killed in the Pahalgam terrorist attack even as Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather urged the government to take immediate measures to enhance the safety and security of tourists and non-locals in the region.
As the House convened for a special session here, Rather condemned the killing of innocent tourists from various parts of the country.
“We pay homage to the victims and extend our condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones,” he said.
Later, the speaker adjourned the House sine die after passage of a resolution expressing profound shock and anguish at the barbaric attack.
Speaking on the issue, Speaker Rather emphasized the urgent need for all members of the House to collaborate in creating a safe and conducive atmosphere for tourists.
He called upon everyone to unite in honouring the families who have lost their loved ones, ensuring their sacrifices are not in vain.
He stressed the importance of unity in emerging stronger together.
“I urge all members of this esteemed House to rise and observe two minutes of silence as a mark of respect for the victims and to show solidarity with the affected families,” Rather said.
The speaker further said that tourists had come to enjoy their holidays in Kashmir, but they were subjected to barbaric acts of terrorism, resulting in the tragic loss of 26 lives. “This heinous act of terrorism brings shame upon our community.” He vehemently condemned this act and expressed deep condolences to the victims’ families, pledging commitment to fostering communal harmony.
“We urge the government to take immediate measures to enhance the safety and security of tourists, residents, and students from outside the region. All members should collaborate diligently towards achieving this goal,” he added.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary presented a resolution on behalf of the government expressing profound shock and anguish at the barbaric and inhumane attack on tourists.
After passage of the resolution unanimously, the House was adjourned sine die by the speaker.
