“Beginning of the End of Terror in Kashmir, Says Omar Abdullah After Pahalgam Attack”

New Delhi: In a heartfelt speech delivered in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly following the devastating Pahalgam terror attack, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah declared that the whole of Kashmir stands united against terror. He stated that this tragic incident could mark the “beginning of the end of terror” in the region. The attack, which occurred on April 22, claimed the lives of 25 tourists and a local Kashmiri, leaving the entire nation in shock and mourning.
Abdullah’s statement resonated beyond his own party, receiving praise even from the Opposition, a rare moment of camaraderie in the Assembly. BJP Leader of the Opposition, Sunil Sharma, condemned the attack, lauding Abdullah’s prompt response by convening an all-party meeting and Assembly Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather’s decision to call a special session to address the tragedy.
The Chief Minister read aloud the names and states of the 26 victims, emphasizing the nationwide grief caused by the attack. He remarked that the impact was felt from all corners of India, “From Arunachal to Gujarat, Jammu to Kashmir, and Kerala, the whole country is in shock.”
Reflecting on the state of security in Jammu and Kashmir, Abdullah expressed his sorrow that despite the region feeling as though such attacks were becoming a thing of the past, the incident in Baisaran had once again brought the fear of future violence. “I was with the Leader of the Opposition in the police control room, paying tribute to the victims. I had no words to offer to the families of the deceased,” he admitted.
The Chief Minister also pointed out that security in the state is not solely under the control of the elected government, despite his role as the tourism minister. He acknowledged his failure to protect the victims, stating, “As Chief Minister, I welcomed these visitors as our guests, and it was my responsibility to ensure their safety. I could not fulfill that duty. How could I apologize to the families of those whose loved ones were lost, especially the children who saw their fathers covered in blood, or the widow of the Navy officer who had just married days earlier? They asked us what their mistake was, as they had come to Kashmir for the first time and had hoped for a peaceful holiday.”
Despite the deep sense of loss, Abdullah’s speech conveyed a sense of resolve, emphasizing the unity of the people of Kashmir in the face of terror.