Pahalgam outrage marks beginning of end of terrorism in J-K, says Omar

The unprecedented and spontaneous public outrage in Jammu and Kashmir over the Pahalgam terror attack has offered a glimmer of hope that terrorism may see its end soon with the people's help, chief minister Omar Abdullah said on Monday, 28 April.

Asserting that his government would work to strengthen the people's crusade against the "menace of terrorism", Abdullah also appealed to the Centre to avoid steps that would alienate the public in the aftermath of the 22 April attack in Baisaran meadow that left 26 people, mostly tourists, dead.

Terming the massacre as the most unfortunate at a special one-day session of the J&K assembly to pay homage to the victims, Abdullah said the spontaneous outpouring of people on the streets against the incident offers a that terrorism may see its end soon with their help.

"Militancy, terror or terrorism will finish when people are with us. Given people's outrage against the terror attack, this is the beginning of its end if we take proper steps," an emotional chief minister said, winding up a discussion on a resolution in the House to condemn the Pahalgam terror attack.

"We should not take any step or action that will alienate people. We cannot control a terrorist with a gun but we can end terrorism if people are with us. I think that time has come when people are heading towards that stage," he said.

The assembly unanimously passed a resolution expressing shock and anguish over the terrorist attack and resolved to fight resolutely to defeat the nefarious designs to and hinder progress.

After the Pahalgam terror attack, there must be a decisive fight against terrorism and its origin. People of Kashmir have come out openly against terrorism and the murder of innocent people, they did this freely & spontaneously. It’s time to build on this support and avoid any…

— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) April 27, 2025

The resolution, moved by deputy chief minister Surinder Choudhary during the special session, was passed by voice vote. At the beginning of the session, House members observed a two-minute silence to pay homage to those killed in the tragedy.

“The Legislative Assembly of Jammu and Kashmir reaffirms its unwavering commitment to foster an environment of peace, development, and inclusive prosperity for all its citizens, and to resolutely defeat the nefarious designs of those who seek to disturb the communal harmony and progress of the nation and of Jammu and Kashmir,” the resolution stated.

Concluding a discussion on the resolution, the chief minister, who also holds the tourism portfolio, condemned the Pahalgam terror attack and admitted that he failed in his responsibility to ensure a safe return for tourists.

“The security in Jammu and Kashmir is not the responsibility of the elected government, but I will not use this opportunity (terror attack) to seek statehood. How can I push for statehood using the Pahalgam terror attack?”

Underlining the impact of the ghastly attack on the entire country, he said, “From north to south and from east to west... from Arunachal to Gujarat and Jammu and Kashmir to Kerala... the entire country has been affected by this attack.”

Abdullah said the Baisaran attack took place after a gap of 21 years. “We thought such attacks were a story of the past. Unfortunately, this (Pahalgam) attack has recreated a situation we hoped had been left behind. We never know when another such attack might take place. I do not have the words to seek forgiveness from the families who lost their dear ones,” he said.

The people of Kashmir stepped forward to help the tourists

The chief minister, however, noted that even in the face of this inhuman and dastardly attack, a new ray of hope has emerged from Kashmir.

“For the first time in many years, I witnessed protests that . No political party or leader orchestrated them, and no organised banners or candlelight marches were planned. The outrage and grief were spontaneous, coming straight from the . Every mosque observed silence,” he said.

Separatist conglomerate Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq led prayers for the deceased in Jamia Masjid, considered the headquarters of separatism in Kashmir since the eruption of militancy in 1989.

Abdullah emphasised that this change must be encouraged and strengthened. “We must boost and nurture this spirit of unity, compassion, and resilience that has emerged from among the people themselves,” he added.

Addressing the assembly earlier while moving the resolution, deputy CM Choudhary said, “This House expresses its profound shock and anguish at the barbaric and inhumane attack on innocent civilians in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025.”

He reiterated the House's unequivocal condemnation of the heinous and cowardly act that resulted in the loss of innocent lives. Quoting the resolution, Choudhary said, “Such acts of terror are a direct assault on the ethos of Kashmiriyat, the values enshrined in our Constitution, and the spirit of unity, peace, and harmony that have long characterised Jammu and Kashmir and our nation.

"This House stands in full solidarity with the victims and their families, the document stated. “We extend our deepest condolences to those who have suffered irreparable loss and affirm our collective resolve to share in their grief and support them in their hour of need.”

A local guide carrying an injured tourist

The resolution mentioned the sacrifice of pony ride operator Syed Adil Hussain Shah, who laid down his life while trying to save the tourists from the terrorist attack. “His courage and selflessness embody the true spirit of Kashmir and shall serve as an enduring inspiration for future generations.

“This House commends the people of Kashmir and Jammu for their extraordinary display of unity, compassion, and resilience in the aftermath of the attack.

“The peaceful demonstrations across towns and villages, and the spontaneous outpouring of moral and material support towards tourists, reaffirm people's steadfast commitment to peace, communal harmony, and the rule of law,” the resolution stated.

It also mentioned the assembly's endorsement of diplomatic measures announced by the Centre following a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security a day after the tragedy.

“This House is mindful of the sinister design behind the selective targeting of the victims of this attack. It appeals to all sections of society, and in particular the media, to not fall victim to this sinister plot by irresponsibly inflaming passions. The need to remain united in the face of this attempted division cannot be overemphasised.”

It appealed to all states and Union territories to ensure the safety, dignity and well-being of Kashmiri students and citizens residing or travelling there, and to take all necessary measures to prevent their harassment, discrimination or intimidation.

“This House calls upon all political parties, religious and community leaders, youth organizations, civil society groups, and media houses across the nation to maintain calm, reject violence and divisive rhetoric, and work collectively to uphold peace, unity, and constitutional values,” the resolution stated.