(Image source from: ANI)

During a stirring address in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly following the terror attack in Pahalgam, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed that every region of India, spanning from the northernmost to the southernmost points, and from the eastern to the western boundaries, is grappling with the consequences of this horrific incident. The leader of the National Conference emphasized that all of Kashmir stands united in the face of this aggression, suggesting that this could signify a pivotal moment in the struggle against terrorism in the Valley.

In an unusual instance of camaraderie between opposing political factions, the BJP commended Mr. Abdullah's reaction after the April 22 attack, where the lives of 25 tourists and a local Kashmiri were tragically lost. Sunil Sharma, the Leader of the Opposition, denounced the terror act and lauded the Chief Minister for convening an all-party meeting, along with Assembly Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather for organizing a special session. Mr. Abdullah took a moment to honor the 26 victims by reading out their names alongside their respective states, stating, "From Arunachal in the north to Gujarat in the south, and from Jammu and Kashmir in the west to Kerala in the east, the entire country is feeling the impact of this attack."

The Chief Minister noted that the people of Jammu and Kashmir had begun to believe that such violent episodes were behind them. "Regrettably, Baisaran has reinstated that sense of dread regarding where the next attack might occur. I was in the police control room alongside the Leader of the Opposition when we paid our respects to the deceased. I found myself at a loss for words to convey my condolences to the families of the victims," he reflected.

Mr. Abdullah pointed out that security measures in Jammu and Kashmir are not governed by the elected officials. "Yet, in my role as Chief Minister and tourism minister, I welcomed these visitors to our land. As their host, it was my duty to ensure their safe return, a responsibility I tragically failed to fulfill. I struggled to find words of apology. What could I possibly say to those children who witnessed their fathers' bloodied bodies, or to the widow of the Navy officer who had only just married days earlier? They questioned us about their wrongdoing, expressing that they had come to Kashmir for the first time and would now pay for that experience for the rest of their lives," he said. Confronting the terrorists responsible for the attack, he remarked, "The perpetrators claim their actions were in our name, but did we ask for this? Did we request that these 26 individuals be returned to us in coffins? Did we consent to such horror? No one of us supports this act. This attack has devastated us."

Emphasizing the importance of seeking hope during challenging times, he remarked that it has been more than twenty years since the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir took to the streets to protest against an incident of such magnitude. "From Kathua to Kupwara, there isn't a single town or village that didn't join in the demonstrations. People are declaring, 'Not in my name.' This is truly spontaneous," he stated. The Chief Minister expressed that the fight against terrorism will be successful when the community aligns with the government, indicating that this marks the beginning of a significant opportunity. "We need to be careful; we must avoid actions that might alienate the public from us. It is crucial that we do not disrupt this grassroots protest. While we can combat militancy with force, we cannot obliterate it completely. It will cease when we have the support of the people, and it appears that they are moving in that direction today," he continued.

In reference to Syed Adil Hussain Shah, the courageous pony ride operator who lost his life while trying to protect a tourist from terrorists, the Chief Minister remarked, "What can I say about him? Fear for one's life is common. Yet, he made the ultimate sacrifice for our guests, the tourists. Who would fault him for choosing to flee? Rather than escaping danger, he bravely moved toward it. We are hearing numerous accounts of heroism. Locals carried the injured to safety. They reached out to assist the tourists. A humble shikarawallah generously offered free fruit chaat, despite earning only two to three hundred rupees a day. Taxi drivers provided complimentary rides, and hotel proprietors opened their doors for free accommodations. I commend them for this is how we extend hospitality."

Mr. Abdullah acknowledged that some Kashmiri students encountered difficulties in other regions of the country following the attack. "Nonetheless, I wish to express my gratitude towards those state governments that managed to maintain order during this period."