Srinagar, April 24: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said that the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam was not just a brutal assault on innocent lives but also a direct attack on Kashmiriyat and the long-standing unity of the J&K.
Addressing a press conference after an all-party meeting at SKICC Srinagar, the Chief Minister said that while the spirit of Kashmir was under attack, the people of Jammu and Kashmir stand united in grief, resilience, and determination to uphold peace and harmony.
The CM expressed deep shock and sorrow over the brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22 that left 26 civilians dead, mostly tourists. The meeting, attended by leaders across party lines, ended with a unanimous resolution condemning the attack and pledging collective action.
“We, the participants of the all-party meeting, are deeply anguished by the barbaric incident in Pahalgam. We have adopted a resolution in the spirit of collective solidarity and firm resolve,” said the Chief Minister.
The resolution strongly condemned the attack, describing it as a “heinous and inhumane act” and a direct assault on the spirit of Kashmiriyat and the values of the Indian Constitution. Omar said, “Such cowardly acts have no place in our society.”
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He added that the people of Jammu and Kashmir stand committed to supporting every possible effort to bring the attackers and their backers to justice. “No act of terror can ever weaken our resolve or extinguish our indomitable spirit,” he added.
The all-party resolution also endorsed the steps taken by the Union Government on April 23 in response to the attack, including the downgrading of diplomatic ties with Pakistan and the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty.
Expressing heartfelt condolences, Omar said, “We stand with the families of the victims in this hour of grief.”
He also paid tribute to Syed Adil Hussain Shah, a local horseman in Pahalgam who was martyred while saving tourists from the terrorists. “His valour and selflessness shall remain forever an inspiration to all. He is the true face of Kashmiriyat and Kashmiri hospitality,” said Omar
The Chief Minister appreciated the people of Kashmir for extending moral and material support to tourists and for maintaining peace. He acknowledged the spontaneous peaceful protests across the J&K as a reflection of the people’s commitment to peace, communal harmony, and the rule of law.
The resolution made a heartfelt appeal to all state and UT governments across India to protect Kashmiri citizens and students living outside the valley. “These individuals must be safeguarded against harassment, discrimination or intimidation,” the statement said.
Calling for unity, Omar urged political parties, community leaders, religious figures, youth, civil society, and media to stay calm and resist provocations. “We must continue working together for the peace and development of our J&K,” he said.
The resolution was unanimously adopted on April 24 in Srinagar. (KNS)
