CM Calls for Solidarity in the Wake of Attack, Stresses Focus on Healing Over Political Demands
Diplomat Correspondent
Jammu, (DD): In an emotionally charged address during a special session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah delivered a powerful message of unity and healing following the tragic Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 people. While the attack left the region in shock, CM Omar emphasized that the response should not be politicized, instead calling for solidarity and collective action to confront the tragedy and the forces of terror.
“A Nation in Mourning, But United Against Terror”
CM Omar began his speech by reflecting on the profound grief that had swept across the region, stating that the pain caused by the attack could not be compared to any other. He recounted the recent memory of the Assembly’s previous sitting, just days before the tragic attack, where the focus had been on discussing the state budget, completely unaware of the horror that was about to unfold.
“It is still unbelievable that just a few days ago we were here debating the budget and other issues. Who could have thought that we would be meeting again under such tragic circumstances?” he said, highlighting how quickly the situation had escalated and how the Assembly, which had been focused on governance, was now forced to respond to such a deep personal and collective loss.
“The Loss Is Personal, And We Share It Together”
As CM Omar spoke, he acknowledged that several members of the Assembly had lost close family members in the attack. The emotional weight of his words was felt deeply as he listed the names of those affected—victims like Shagun, Kesar, Sajjad, and Sakina—and emphasized that these were not just statistics, but individuals whose families were now in mourning. He drew attention to how the grief was felt in the hearts of the Assembly members, noting that some of them had lost uncles, fathers, brothers, and even children.
“In front of you sit people who have seen close relatives sacrificed. Some lost uncles, some fathers, some brothers,” he said, acknowledging that the Assembly’s understanding of the pain could not be matched by any other body in India.
“The Largest Civilian Attack in Two Decades”
CM Omar described the Pahalgam attack as the “largest civilian assault” in the region in 21 years, reminding everyone that this was not the first time that innocent civilians had fallen victim to violence in the Kashmir Valley. He recalled past attacks on Amarnath pilgrims, Kashmiri Pandits, and Sikh community members, highlighting the long history of suffering.
However, the loss felt after the Pahalgam attack was particularly poignant, as many of the victims were tourists who had come to Kashmir to escape the chaos of the outside world. They had sought peace, only to become victims of terror.
“What can I say to the families? What was the fault of these people? They had come just for a vacation,” CM Omar said, with a tone of anguish, expressing his sorrow over the innocent lives lost and the shock it sent through the entire country.
“A Strong, Unified Response”
Despite the immense pain, Omar Abdullah emphasized that the people of Jammu and Kashmir had responded with overwhelming solidarity. He praised the local community for their selflessness, citing how the Shikara wallahs on Dal Lake, the fruit vendors, and the auto-rickshaw drivers had all offered assistance to tourists in distress during the attack’s aftermath.
“Today, people are united against terror,” he declared, emphasizing the strength of community support, which transcended the boundaries of religion, ethnicity, and region.
He also highlighted the unprecedented two-minute silence observed at Jamia Masjid in Srinagar, calling it a powerful moment that only those in Kashmir could truly understand. This act of remembrance and unity, he said, was a poignant response to the attack, symbolizing that the region’s heart was still beating strong in the face of terror.
“No Place for Political Demands Right Now”
In his concluding remarks, CM Omar Abdullah made it clear that the tragedy in Pahalgam should not be used as a platform for political gain. In a direct response to those seeking statehood for Jammu and Kashmir in the wake of the attack, he firmly rejected the idea of politicizing the grief of the victims.
“Meri siyasat itni sasti nahi ki main Pahalgam par statehood ki demand karoon,” he stated, with deep conviction. He called for a focus on healing and unity rather than turning the tragedy into a political issue.
“After Pahalgam, with what face can I ask for statehood for Jammu and Kashmir? Is my politics so cheap?” he asked, signaling that while the issue of statehood was important, now was not the time for such demands. He emphasized that the community’s pain and the loss should be honored before political discussions could take place.
“Moving Forward, Together”
Despite the tragedy, CM Omar ended on a note of cautious optimism. He expressed confidence that this attack would mark the beginning of the end of terror in the region, as the unity displayed by the people of Jammu and Kashmir would ultimately overcome the forces of violence.
This emotional session served as a reminder of the enduring spirit of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, and CM Omar Abdullah’s words were not only a call for healing, but a rallying cry for unity in the face of adversity.(DD)