CM Omar Abdullah Delivers Emotional Address in J&K Assembly Following Pahalgam Terror Attack ‘Not In My Name’: Every Kashmiri Rejects Terrorism, Declares CM
JAMMU, April 28:
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today delivered an emotional and powerful speech in a special session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, convened in the aftermath of the horrific Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 innocent lives.
Opening his address, Omar Abdullah reflected on the devastating circumstances that brought the House together.
“Just days ago, we were engaged in vibrant debates on the Budget and other issues, unaware that we would soon gather in such tragic circumstances,” he said.
Expressing profound grief, the Chief Minister thanked the Lieutenant Governor for convening the session and emphasized that no other Assembly or Parliament could better understand the sorrow caused by this tragedy. Recalling personal losses experienced by legislators during past terror incidents, including the October 1, 2001, Assembly attack, he said, “Perhaps no other Assembly can understand this grief better than ours.”
On behalf of the House, Omar Abdullah strongly condemned the attack, describing it as an assault not only on the victims but on the very soul of India.
“This was not an attack on one region; the victims hailed from Arunachal Pradesh to Gujarat, Kerala to Jammu and Kashmir. It was a national tragedy,” he stated.
He lamented the tragic resurgence of terrorism after more than two decades, sharing his emotional experience while paying respects to the victims at the police control room.
“What apology could possibly suffice?” he asked with visible emotion.
Though acknowledging that security responsibilities no longer rested with the elected government, Omar Abdullah took personal responsibility, noting his dual role as Chief Minister and Minister of Tourism who had welcomed visitors. He stressed, “I feel deeply responsible for not being able to ensure their safe return.”
Sharing a heart-wrenching encounter with a young widow who lost her husband in the attack, the Chief Minister emphasized that no one in Kashmir would wish for such bloodshed.
However, amidst the sorrow, Omar Abdullah found hope in the overwhelming public rejection of terrorism across Jammu and Kashmir.
He cited spontaneous movements where citizens, from Kathua to Kupwara, raised banners proclaiming, “Not In My Name,” distancing themselves from terrorism without political prompting.
“This attack was not carried out for us — it was carried out against us,” he declared, highlighting public mourning in places like Jamia Masjid Srinagar, where a two-minute silence was observed after Friday prayers — a profound act of solidarity and grief.
He narrated stirring examples of ordinary Kashmiris showcasing humanity amidst horror — a ponywala risking his life to save tourists, a fruit vendor offering free meals to stranded visitors, and taxi drivers, hoteliers, and boatmen opening their homes to those in need.
These gestures, he said, reflected the true spirit of Kashmiriyat — compassion, hospitality, and resilience.
The Chief Minister also appreciated various state governments for extending support to Kashmiri students and residents outside J&K, acknowledging concerns over harassment. He announced efforts to strengthen emergency response mechanisms for quick and coordinated action in future crises.
Issuing a stern warning against the spread of fake news and misinformation, he said even a small amount of false information could lead to widespread harm.
“We will not tolerate it,” he said firmly.
Omar Abdullah also made it clear that he would not politicize the tragedy, asserting, “I have too much respect for the sanctity of these 26 lives to indulge in political opportunism. Today is a day for grief, not politics.”
He concluded by calling on all members of the Assembly to unanimously pass a resolution condemning the barbaric attack and expressing solidarity with the bereaved families.
The House later passed the resolution unanimously. The names of the 26 victims were read out and recorded as part of the official obituary reference.
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