Chief Minister Omar Abdullah struck a deeply emotional and reflective tone during the special session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, saying that the spontaneous and widespread public outrage over the Pahalgam terror attack could mark a turning point in the Valley’s battle against terrorism.

The Assembly, already united in condemnation of the April 22 killings of 26 civilians at Baisaran, listened intently as Omar emphasized the people’s role in fighting terror:

“We cannot control a terrorist with a gun—but we can end terrorism if people are with us.”

Public Outrage Without Political Call: “A New Ray of Hope”

Highlighting that protests broke out across the state without any party’s call, Omar noted this level of condemnation had not been seen in 21 years.
“From Kathua to Kupwara, people hit the streets—not in anger, but in grief and solidarity,” he said. “Even Srinagar’s Jamia Masjid held a two-minute silence—something unprecedented.”

A Tearful Acknowledgment: “I Failed as CM and Tourism Minister”

In one of the most poignant moments, Omar Abdullah took personal responsibility for the tragedy:

“I invited those tourists to Kashmir as CM and Tourism Minister. I failed to ensure their safe return.”

Fighting emotion, he recounted heartbreaking stories—a child crying beside his father’s bloodied body, a young widow asking what her mistake was.

No Politics, No Demands for Statehood—Only Grief

Rejecting opportunism, the CM declared:

“Curse be on me if I go to Centre now and push for statehood. This is not the time for politics—it is time for mourning and solidarity.”

He promised that the focus must remain on healing and justice, not bureaucracy.

Direct Message to TRF: “Not In Our Name”

Naming terror group The Resistance Front (TRF), which claimed responsibility, Omar asked:

“Did we ask for this? Did we ask for 26 innocent people to be sent home in coffins?”

He stressed that the people of Jammu and Kashmir, regardless of religion or region, categorically rejected the attack and the ideology behind it.

Tales of Valor and Humanity Amid Horror

Paying tribute to Syed Adil Hussain Shah, who died protecting tourists, Omar said:

“He could have fled—but he didn’t.”

He saluted locals who offered free food, rides, and lodging to stranded tourists, citing pony handlers, boatmen, and taxi drivers who displayed Kashmir’s true spirit of hospitality.

Assembly Remembers Its Own Pain

Omar reminded the House of the personal toll terrorism has taken on many MLAs:

“From Shagun Parihar to Sajad Lone, from Rafiq Naik to Sakina Itoo—many among us have lost loved ones to this violence.”

Referring to the 2001 J&K Assembly bombing, he said, “Only this Assembly understands this pain, not even Parliament.”

Warning Against Misinformation

In a stern message, the CM warned social media influencers against spreading fake news.

“90% are truthful. But that 10%—spreading falsehood—must stop. We will not tolerate it.”

In a rare and powerful show of unity, the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Monday passed a unanimous resolution condemning the barbaric terror attack in Pahalgam that shook the nation last week. Cutting across political and ideological divides, legislators came together to express grief, rage, and determination in the face of violence.

The special session convened in the aftermath of the massacre saw passionate speeches endorsing the diplomatic measures taken by the Government of India on April 23, after a high-level Cabinet Committee on Security meeting.

Sunil Sharma: “PM Will Give Befitting Reply”

BJP leader and Leader of Opposition, Sunil Sharma, in an emotional address, said the entire nation was watching and mourning. “J&K is known as heaven, and this attack has shaken all humanity,” he said, recounting the pain of a newlywed woman and a young boy who lost loved ones.

Calling for unwavering trust in the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, Sharma stressed patience and unity: “We must trust the Government’s plan. We didn’t eat after the attack, we protested—this unity must now be preserved.”

Opposition Backs Centre, But Flags Security Lapses

Congress MLA Ghulam Ahmad Mir lauded the people’s unity but questioned whether security had failed. “Announcements must become ground action,” he said, warning against lip-service. He also emphasized the need to investigate “black sheep” within the establishment.

No More Dialogue: AAP Demands Military Action

Mehraj Malik of Aam Aadmi Party made a fiery pitch for direct military action against Pakistan. “Enough is enough,” he said. “If we don’t reply in bullet-to-bullet language, this will not stop.”

Valley Rejects Violence: Sajad Lone, Tarigami Echo Shift in Sentiment

Sajad Gani Lone of People’s Conference noted this as a turning point in public perception: “For the first time in 35 years, Kashmiris are rejecting such violence outright.” He called for media sensitivity and national unity.

Veteran leader Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami emphasized communal harmony and participation of local representatives in the anti-terror effort. “Terrorists have no religion. Our message should be clear: we are one.”

Restoring Statehood, Supporting Victims: Wider Concerns Raised

Altaf Ahmad Wani (NC) praised the local people for aiding the injured and emphasized long-overdue restoration of statehood. Waheed Parra of PDP described the massacre as “a crime against humanity,” and called for martyr status for the victims.

Tributes and Proposals: Memorials and Donations

Multiple MLAs including Sheikh Khursheed proposed setting up memorials in Pahalgam and donating legislator salaries to support victims’ families.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday condemned the Pahalgam terror attack as a “grotesque and inhuman” act and reiterated the central government’s commitment to a zero-tolerance policy against terrorism.

Speaking after meeting the family of Shubham Dwivedi, a 31-year-old Kanpur resident who was among the 26 victims of the attack, Adityanath said, “Terrorism is breathing its last. The decisions taken by the Centre under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership will be the final blow to terrorism.”

Key Highlights:

• Condemnation of the Attack: Adityanath strongly condemned the targeting of innocent civilians based on their religion. “Asking one’s religion before killing them, turning women into widows in front of their families – this is absolutely unacceptable in India,” he said.
• Support for Victims’ Families: The CM visited Dwivedi’s family and offered condolences, noting that he was recently married. “The pain is unimaginable,” Adityanath said, praying for peace for the departed soul.
• Strong Central Response: Referring to the Cabinet Committee on Security’s (CCS) response and Home Minister Amit Shah’s visit to Kashmir, he said, “These actions will prove to be the last nail in the coffin of terrorism.”
• Zero Tolerance Approach: Emphasizing the Centre’s firm stance, he declared, “This is not a government that withdraws cases against terrorists or protects them for vote banks. We are determined to crush terrorism and punish those who support it.”
• Double Engine Government’s Resolve: Adityanath assured that the combined efforts of the Centre and the state governments—the “double engine”—will deliver a “befitting response” to those responsible for the attack.

Background: On Tuesday, terrorists opened fire in a meadow near the tourist hotspot of Pahalgam in South Kashmir, killing 26 people, many of them tourists. It marks the deadliest attack in Kashmir since the 2019 Pulwama bombing.

India has officially downgraded diplomatic relations with Pakistan following the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives, including one Nepali national. The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, met today and announced a series of strong retaliatory measures.

Key Measures Announced:

• Diplomatic Staff Cut: Both countries will reduce their High Commission staff strength from 55 to 30 by May 1.
• Military Attaches Expelled: Defence, naval, and air advisors at the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi have been declared Persona Non Grata and must leave within a week. India will also withdraw its military advisors from Islamabad.
• Attari Check Post Closed: The Integrated Check Post at Attari, the only land border crossing, has been shut down immediately. Valid travelers may return by May 1.
• Indus Waters Treaty Suspended: The landmark 1960 treaty is being suspended until Pakistan “credibly and irreversibly” ends support for cross-border terrorism.
• SAARC Visa Exemptions Cancelled: Pakistani nationals are barred from traveling to India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme; existing visas stand canceled.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, who addressed the media, stated that the attack had confirmed cross-border links and that India is committed to holding the perpetrators and their sponsors accountable. He highlighted India’s resolve to act against terrorism, referencing the recent extradition of Tahawwur Rana.

Misri noted that the attack came at a time when Jammu and Kashmir was showing signs of political stability and economic progress, including successful elections.

The CCS expressed condolences to the victims’ families and appreciated the international community’s support and condemnation of the attack.

Pakistan’s Response: Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif announced that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will convene a National Security Committee meeting to determine Islamabad’s response to India’s diplomatic actions.

Jammu, April 23, 2025:
Prominent businessman and social activist Vishal Narania has strongly condemned the recent attack on a tourist in Pahalgam, calling it a cowardly and unfortunate incident that tarnishes the image of Kashmir as a peaceful and hospitable destination.

In a strongly worded statement, Mr. Narania said, “Such acts of violence are unacceptable and must be condemned by all. Kashmir has always been known for its hospitality and warmth. This incident not only damages our image but also affects the livelihoods of thousands who depend on tourism.”

He demanded immediate and exemplary action against those responsible, urging the administration and law enforcement agencies to identify and arrest the culprits without delay. “The safety and dignity of every guest visiting Kashmir must be a top priority. Justice must be swift so that such incidents are never repeated,” he emphasized.

Vishal Narania also appealed to the local community, especially the youth, to stand united against violence and work together to promote peace, harmony, and brotherhood.