J&K Assembly Condemns Pahalgam Terror Attack, CM Omar Abdullah Admits Failure in Tourist Safety
In a powerful display of unity, the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly convened a special session on April 28, 2025, to address the horrific terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives, mostly tourists, on April 22. The Assembly unanimously passed a resolution, moved by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, expressing profound shock and anguish over the tragedy and pledging to resolutely counter attempts to disturb communal harmony and hinder the region’s progress. The session began with a somber two-minute silence to honor the victims, reflecting the collective grief of the lawmakers and the people of J&K. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who holds the tourism portfolio, delivered an emotional speech, condemning the attack and acknowledging his personal failure to ensure the safety of visitors, while also noting a newfound hope in the spontaneous public response across Kashmir.
The resolution, passed by voice vote, underscored J&K’s unwavering commitment to fostering peace, development, and inclusive prosperity. It described the attack as a “direct assault” on the values of Kashmiriyat, the Indian Constitution, and the spirit of unity that defines the region. The Assembly recognized the sacrifice of Syed Adil Hussain Shah, a local pony ride operator who died while attempting to save tourists during the attack, and lauded the Kashmiri people for their remarkable display of moral and material support for the victims. The resolution also endorsed the diplomatic measures taken by the Central government, including the suspension of the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan, the closure of the Attari-Wagah border, and the revocation of visas for Pakistani nationals, in response to allegations of Pakistan’s involvement in the attack.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, addressing the Assembly, spoke candidly about the impact of the attack, which occurred in the picturesque Baisaran Valley, a popular tourist destination. He noted that it was the deadliest civilian attack in J&K in over two decades, reviving fears of a violent past the region had hoped to leave behind. “The security in Jammu and Kashmir is not the responsibility of the elected government, but as the tourism minister, I failed in ensuring a safe return for our guests,” Abdullah said, expressing deep regret. He emphasized that he would not exploit the tragedy to demand the restoration of J&K’s statehood, a long-standing goal of his National Conference party, stating, “How can I push for statehood using the Pahalgam terror attack?” His remarks highlighted a commitment to keeping the tragedy above political maneuvering.
Abdullah underscored the nationwide reverberations of the attack, noting that it affected people “from Arunachal to Gujarat and from J&K to Kerala.” He described the Pahalgam incident as a stark reminder of the challenges J&K faces, especially after a 21-year gap since the last such major attack on civilians. “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, his voice heavy with emotion. However, he also pointed to a silver lining: the unprecedented public response in Kashmir. For the first time in years, spontaneous protests erupted across the region, unorganized by political parties or leaders. From mosques observing silence to locals offering free meals and rescuing injured tourists, Abdullah saw this as “the beginning of the end of terrorism,” signaling a unified rejection of violence by the Kashmiri people.
The Pahalgam attack, carried out by five to six militants linked to The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of Lashkar-e-Taiba, targeted tourists after confirming their religious identities, with most victims being Hindus. The attack intensified India-Pakistan tensions, prompting strong diplomatic measures from the Narendra Modi government. The Assembly’s resolution warned against “inflaming passions” and urged society and media to resist divisive narratives. Leaders across party lines, including the BJP’s Sunil Sharma, Congress’s Ghulam Ahmad Mir, and PDP’s Waheed-ur-Rehman Para, supported the resolution, emphasizing unity. The resolution also appealed to other states to protect Kashmiri students and citizens from harassment in the wake of the attack, a concern raised after reports of isolated incidents.
The special session, summoned by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, was a testament to J&K’s resolve to combat terrorism while preserving its ethos of hospitality and peace. Abdullah praised the courage of locals like Shah and pony wallahs who risked their lives to save tourists, reinforcing the region’s commitment to its visitors. As J&K grapples with the aftermath, including the closure of 48 tourist resorts for security reasons, the Assembly’s resolution sends a clear message: terrorism will not derail the region’s pursuit of harmony and progress. The unified stance of the lawmakers, coupled with Abdullah’s call for public support to end militancy, offers hope for a resilient future amidst ongoing challenges.
