SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly convened a special session following the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 individuals, including several tourists. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, in his address, expressed deep sorrow and solidarity with the victims’ families, while also condemning the attack and emphasising the unity of the people of Jammu and Kashmir against terrorism.
Speaking emotionally in the special session, CM Omar Abdullah began by reflecting on the shocking turn of events. “It is still unbelievable that just a few days ago, we were here debating the budget and other issues. When the House adjourned, we hoped we would meet again in Srinagar. Who could have thought we would meet under such tragic circumstances?” he said, acknowledging the profound impact of the attack on the region.
The Chief Minister thanked the Speaker for calling the special session on the advice of the Council of Ministers. “Neither Parliament nor any other state assembly in India can feel the pain of these victims the way this assembly does,” Omar Abdullah remarked, highlighting the unique connection the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly shares with such tragedies. He pointed out that many members in the House had lost loved ones in previous attacks, making the pain even more personal.
“In front of you sit people who have seen close relatives sacrificed — our little sister Shagun, Kesar, Sajjad, Sakina. Some lost uncles, some fathers, some brothers. Sajjad expressed his pain so deeply before the House that I probably don’t have better words to describe it,” he said.
Omar Abdullah read out the names of the 26 victims, acknowledging their diverse origins from across India, including Haryana, Kerala, Maharashtra, and other states. “This tragedy has affected the whole nation. These victims were from all corners of the country, from Arunachal Pradesh to Gujarat, from Jammu and Kashmir to Kerala,” he said.
The Chief Minister further described the attack as the “biggest on civilians in the last 21 years. He said, “We had hoped such incidents belonged to the past, but this attack has brought that grim reality back.” He expressed his personal responsibility as the former Minister of Tourism, saying that he had invited these tourists to the region and felt accountable for their safety. “What can I say to the families? They came here for a vacation, and they lost their lives in this attack.”
Despite the heavy tragedy, the Chief Minister highlighted the response of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly the locals who showed great empathy towards the tourists. “People are united against terror. Shikara wallahs, auto-rickshaw drivers, and even small vendors came forward to help the tourists during this difficult time,” he said, praising the selflessness of the local community.
Omar Abdullah also addressed the situation of Kashmiri students and residents outside the region, acknowledging the difficulties they face in the aftermath of the attack. “The Chief Ministers of various states acted swiftly to protect our children. We are working towards building a system where, in case of such incidents, our students and residents will have a place to register their grievances,” he added.
In a stern warning, the Chief Minister cautioned against the spread of fake news, urging media outlets to refrain from causing further harm through misinformation. “I want to warn all those media channels that spread fake news — refrain from such mischiefs,” he said, stressing the importance of maintaining peace in these troubled times.
CM Omar Abdullah made it clear that he would not exploit the tragedy for political gain. “With what face can I ask for statehood for Jammu and Kashmir after this attack? Is my politics so cheap?” he questioned, reiterating that discussions on statehood would continue at an appropriate time. He expressed his determination to focus on ending terrorism and securing a peaceful future for the region.
