Omar, J&K Leaders Condemn Terror, Defend Kashmiriyat

In a special session convened in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah delivered an impassioned speech to the Assembly, declaring that the entire country had been shaken by the heinous act which claimed the lives of 26 people, including 25 tourists and a Kashmiri.

Abdullah stated that from "north to south, east to west, Arunachal to Gujarat, Jammu to Kashmir to Kerala, the whole country has come in the throes of this attack." 

He asserted that the whole of Kashmir stood united against the assault and suggested that this could mark the "beginning of the end of terror" in the Valley. In a rare display of unity, the Opposition praised Abdullah’s response, with Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma condemning the terror attack and commending the Chief Minister for calling an all-party meeting and Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather for convening the special session.

The Chief Minister read out the names and states of each of the 26 victims during his address.

Reflecting on the tragedy, he said, "Unfortunately, Baisaran has created the same situation when we feel where the next attack will be. I was with the Leader of the Opposition in the police control room when we paid tribute to these people. I had no words to apologize to the victims' families." 

Acknowledging the limitations of his role, he remarked, "The security in Jammu and Kashmir is not under the elected government. But as Chief Minister, as tourism minister, I welcomed them here. As a host, it was my responsibility to ensure their safe return. I could not. I had no words to apologize. What could I say to those children who saw their fathers covered in blood, to that Navy officer's widow who was married days ago? They asked us what their mistake was; they told us they came to Kashmir for the first time and would pay for that holiday lifelong."

Targeting the perpetrators, Abdullah questioned, "Those who did this claim they did it for us. But did we ask for this? Did we say that these 26 people should be sent back in coffins in our name? Did we agree to this? None of us is with this attack. This attack has hollowed us out." 

Stressing the importance of finding hope amid despair, he noted, "From Kathua to Kupwara, there is no town or village where people did not protest against this. They said, 'Not in my name'. And this is spontaneous."

Abdullah emphasized that the end of terror would come when people allied with the administration. "We have to be cautious, we must not do anything that distances people from us. We should not take any action that hurts this spontaneous protest. We can control militancy with guns, but we cannot end it. It will end when the people are with us. Today, it seems people are reaching there," he said.

Paying tribute to Syed Adil Hussain Shah, the pony ride operator who died protecting tourists, Abdullah said, "What can I say about him? Everyone fears for his life. But he sacrificed his life for tourists, our guests. Who would have questioned him if he had fled? But instead of fleeing, he went towards danger." 

He highlighted the collective spirit shown by local residents, recounting that "people carried the injured on their shoulders. Locals tried to help tourists. A poor shikarawallah offered free fruit chaat, who probably makes 200-300 rupees daily. Cab operators offered free rides, hotel owners opened their rooms. I salute them. This is how we host."

Addressing concerns for Kashmiri students facing difficulties elsewhere in the country following the attack, Abdullah expressed gratitude towards state governments that had managed the situation responsibly.

Earlier, the Assembly moved a resolution expressing profound shock and anguish over the "barbaric and inhumane" terrorist attack, reaffirming its commitment to peace, development, and communal harmony. 

The resolution, moved by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, was introduced after members observed a two-minute silence to honour the victims.

Choudhary said, "This House expresses its profound shock and anguish over the barbaric and inhumane attack perpetrated on innocent civilians at Pahalgam on April 22. This House unequivocally condemns the heinous, cowardly act that resulted in the loss of innocent lives."

The resolution stated, "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 Jammu and Kashmir."

Highlighting the sacrifice of Syed Adil Hussain Shah, the resolution noted, "His courage and selflessness embody the true spirit of Kashmir and shall serve as an enduring inspiration for future generations." It commended the "extraordinary display of unity, compassion, and resilience" by the people of Jammu and Kashmir, citing the spontaneous demonstrations and support extended to tourists as proof of the populace’s steadfast commitment to peace and rule of law.

The resolution also endorsed diplomatic measures announced by the Centre following the Cabinet Committee on Security meeting a day after the attack. It urged all sections of society and the media to resist falling prey to the "sinister design" aimed at stoking division and called for nationwide unity. 

"The need to remain united in the face of this attempted division cannot be overemphasised," the resolution stated.

The Assembly appealed to all states and Union territories to ensure the safety, dignity, and well-being of Kashmiri students and citizens residing or travelling outside the region, urging necessary measures to prevent their harassment, discrimination, or intimidation. 

It further called upon political parties, religious and community leaders, youth organisations, civil society groups, and media houses to "maintain calm, reject violence and divisive rhetoric, and work collectively to uphold peace, unity, and constitutional values."

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