SRINAGAR: In a solemn gathering at the SKICC on Thursday, the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCC&I) joined civil society members, government officials, and business leaders to collectively mourn the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam’s Baisaran that left several civilians dead. The high-level meeting was chaired by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
The KCC&I delegation, led by its president Javid Ahmad Tenga along with Senior Vice President Ashiq Hussain Shangloo and Secretary General Faiz Ahmad Bakshi, participated in what was described as a moment of collective grief rather than a business-focused assembly. A minute of silence was observed at the outset in memory of the victims.
Speaking at the meeting, KCC&I President Tenga strongly condemned the killing of civilians, describing it as a “heinous act” and “an assault on humanity and on the very spirit of Kashmiri culture and hospitality.” Emphasising that the occasion was not for economic discussions, Tenga said the Chamber was there purely to express solidarity with the victims. He informed the Chief Minister that the KCC&I would soon visit the bereaved families to offer personal condolences and support.
Tenga also commended the bravery of local residents who rushed to help tourists amid the violence, singling out Syed Adil, who lost his life while trying to rescue others. “His sacrifice reflects the true spirit of Kashmir,” Tenga said.
Expressing serious concern over the safety of Kashmiris living outside the Union Territory in the wake of the attack, Tenga urged Chief Minister Abdullah to ensure immediate steps to protect students, professionals, and traders from reported incidents of harassment and threats. “Disturbing reports are coming in from different states. We need urgent measures to prevent further harm,” he said.
Responding to the Chamber’s appeal, Chief Minister Abdullah assured full support to their initiative and endorsed the Chamber’s decision to visit the victims’ families. He acknowledged the importance of such efforts in sending a message of compassion and resilience across the country.
The meeting marked a rare moment of unity across political and civil society lines, with participants agreeing that the violence in Pahalgam was an attack not just on individuals, but on the ethos of Kashmir itself.
