Omar Abdullah Takes Moral Responsibility for Pahalgam Attack: Refuses to Politicize Tragedy for Statehood Demand

Srinagar, April 28, 2025: In a deeply emotional and powerful address to the special one-day session of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah admitted his failure to ensure the safe return of the 25 tourists killed in the recent brutal Pahalgam terror attack. A local Kashmiri resident also lost his life in the incident, which has shaken the very soul of the Valley.

Standing before the House, Omar said, “As the Chief Minister and as the Minister of Tourism, it was my responsibility to invite these visitors and ensure their safe return. I failed in upholding that sacred responsibility.”

In a strong and clear message, Omar refused to use the tragic attack as a political tool to demand statehood from the Centre, calling it “cheap politics.” “I have too much respect for the sanctity of these 26 lives. My politics is not so cheap that I would exploit their deaths,” he asserted.

Assembly Passes Strong Resolution Against Terrorism

The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly unanimously passed a resolution condemning the Pahalgam terror attack, describing it as a “direct assault on Kashmiriyat, the Constitution, and the spirit of unity, peace, and harmony” that has always defined Jammu and Kashmir.

“This House unequivocally condemns the heinous and cowardly act that resulted in the loss of innocent lives,” the resolution read.

Omar urged that today should be solely dedicated to grief, solidarity, and national resolve rather than political debate, assuring that broader discussions on governance and rights would happen later.

An Attack on India’s Soul, Not Just Kashmir

In his poignant address, Omar Abdullah highlighted the national character of the tragedy, noting that the victims came from Arunachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Kerala, and even Jammu and Kashmir itself. “The ambush at Pahalgam was not just an attack on Kashmir. It was an attack on the soul of India,” he said.

Across Jammu and Kashmir, spontaneous protests erupted. From Kathua to Kupwara, ordinary citizens held candlelight marches, raised banners reading “Not in my name,” and denounced terrorism without any political prompting. Omar called this public unity a “ray of hope” that must be nurtured.

“Terrorism will truly end not just through the barrel of a gun but when people stand with us in solidarity. This moment of unity is the start of something bigger if we move forward positively,” he emphasized.

Heartfelt Stories of Humanity Amid Horror

During his speech, Omar shared stirring stories of compassion from Kashmiris.

• A brave pony rider risked his life to rescue stranded tourists.
• A humble fruit seller at Dal Lake offered free meals despite his meager earnings.
• Taxi drivers, hoteliers, and boatmen opened their homes to terrified visitors, showcasing the true spirit of Kashmiriyat.

He also recalled a rare and moving scene at the historic Jamia Masjid in Srinagar where a two-minute silence was observed after Friday prayers to mourn the victims.

A Stern Warning Against Fake News

While lauding the overwhelming compassion shown by the people, Omar also warned about the dangers of misinformation spreading in the aftermath of the attack. “Even if 99% of information is true, the 1% that is fake can do immense harm. We will not tolerate this,” he said firmly.

A Reminder of Kashmir’s Fragile Peace

Omar Abdullah’s emotional speech served as a grim reminder that despite hopes of terrorism being a thing of the past, the brutal attack at Pahalgam marks a tragic resurgence of violence after over two decades. Reflecting on his visit to the police control room to meet the bereaved families, Omar said, “What apology would ever suffice?”

He ended his address by remembering relatives of present MLAs who had also fallen victim to terror attacks in the past, reinforcing the shared grief and the urgent need for a unified stand against terrorism.