SRINAGAR: In the wake of the devastating terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives, the chief minister and other political leaders across Jammu and Kashmir have urged for a decisive fight against terrorism while warning against measures that could alienate innocent civilians.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, in a post on X emphasised the need for a strong response against terrorism and its roots. “After the Pahalgam terror attack, there must be a decisive fight against terrorism and its origin. People of Kashmir have come out openly against terrorism and the murder of innocent people, they did this freely and spontaneously. It’s time to build on this support and avoid any misplaced action that alienates people. Punish the guilty, show them no mercy, but don’t let innocent people become collateral damage,” he posted.
After the Pahalgam terror attack, there must be a decisive fight against terrorism and its origin. People of Kashmir have come out openly against terrorism and the murder of innocent people, they did this freely & spontaneously. It’s time to build on this support and avoid any…
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) April 27, 2025
Former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti echoed similar concerns, expressing alarm over reports of indiscriminate arrests and house demolitions in the Valley. “The Government of India must tread with caution and carefully distinguish between terrorists and civilians following the recent Pahalgam attack. It must not alienate innocent people, especially those opposing terror,” she said in a post. “There are reports of thousands being arrested and scores of houses of common Kashmiris being demolished along with those of militants,” she added, urging authorities to ensure that innocents are not subjected to punitive measures.
The Government of India must tread with caution and carefully distinguish between terrorists and civilians following the recent Pahalgam attack. It must not alienate innocent people, especially those opposing terror. There are reports of thousands being arrested and scores of…
— Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) April 27, 2025
Member of Parliament Ruhullah Mehdi wrote, “Kashmir and Kashmiris are being given a collective punishment,” underlining the growing incidents of razing houses to ground.
Kashmir and Kashmiris are being given a collective punishment.
— Ruhullah Mehdi (@RuhullahMehdi) April 27, 2025
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq also raised concerns over the situation. “While Kashmiris collectively condemn the heinous crime at Pahalgam, and it is imperative to bring its perpetrators to justice, indiscriminate arrests and videos circulating on social media of demolition of houses and neighbourhoods, is disturbing and distressing. I urge the authorities, that in seeking justice for the innocent victims not to punish innocent Kashmiri families,” Mirwaiz posted on X.
While Kashmiri’s collectively condemn the heinous crime at Pahalgam, and it is imperative to bring its perpetrators to justice, indiscriminate arrests and videos circulating on social media of demolition of houses and neighbourhoods, is disturbing and distressing. I urge the…
— Mirwaiz Umar Farooq (@MirwaizKashmir) April 27, 2025
According to media reports, extensive operations by security forces have been underway across the Valley following the Pahalgam attack, with numerous arrests and property demolitions reported.
