• Bill Seeking Ban on Alcohol in J&K to be Introduced in Assembly
  • PDP MLA from Kupwara, Fayaz Ahmad Mir, has submitted a Private Member’s Bill seeking a complete ban on liquor in Jammu and Kashmir.
  • The bill, set to be introduced in the upcoming budget session of the J&K Assembly, proposes prohibition on the advertisement, sale, purchase, consumption, and manufacture of alcoholic beverages in the Union Territory.
  • Mir warned that the rising alcohol consumption poses a serious threat to society, stressing the need for strict legislation to curb the trend. The bill also proposes harsh penalties, including imprisonment and fines, for violations.
J&K Assembly Holds Special Session on Pahalgam Tourist Killings

Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather Condemns Terror Attack, Calls for National Unity and Tribute to Victims

Published on April 28, 2025

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JAMMU, April 28:
In a solemn and emotionally charged special session, the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly today mourned the brutal killing of 26 tourists and a local pony-walla during the terror attack at Baisaran, Pahalgam, on April 22.

Leading the proceedings, Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather strongly condemned the horrific act, calling it a barbaric assault on humanity and peace.

“This House stands united in grief and outrage. We must send a clear message to the world that the entire nation condemns this heinous crime,” the Speaker declared during his address.

The House paid glowing tributes to the innocent lives lost, remembering each victim by name:
Vinay Narwal, N. Ramachandran, Dinesh Agarwal, Atul Shrikant Moni, Neeraj Udwani, Samer Guha, Sushil Nathyal, Sanjay Laxman, Sudeep Nopani, Bitain Adikari, Manjunath Rao, Dilip Desale, Prashant Satapati, Munish Ranjan, Syed Adil Hussain Shah, J.S. Chandar Mouli, Madhusudan Rao, Santosh Jaghdai, Kastoba Ganovota, Hemant Suhas Joshi, Shubham Diwedi, Bharat Bhushan, Sumit Parmar, Yatish Parmar, Tage Halying, and Shailesh Bhai.

As a mark of respect, the Assembly observed two minutes of silence in memory of the victims.

The Speaker stressed that the attack was not merely a crime against individuals but an attempt to undermine the very spirit of peace and brotherhood.
“The dreams of these tourists—to experience the natural beauty of Kashmir—were cruelly and senselessly shattered,” he said.

Extending heartfelt condolences, Rather expressed deep solidarity with the bereaved families, describing their pain as unimaginable. He urged all sections of society to stand together to reject violence and defend the values of peace, tolerance, and unity.

He emphasized that the special session was convened to send a strong and collective message that the entire country stands united against terrorism.

Addressing wider concerns, the Speaker also called upon the Government to ensure the safety of Kashmiri students, businessmen, and tourists outside Jammu and Kashmir.
“Protecting our citizens, wherever they are, must be a priority. We must work collectively to create a secure environment for all,” he said.

Concluding his address, Abdul Rahim Rather urged that the ultimate tribute to the victims must be a reaffirmed commitment to peace, compassion, and resilience, ensuring that their sacrifice is honored through unity and continued efforts toward peace.

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  • Bill Seeking Ban on Alcohol in J&K to be Introduced in Assembly
  • PDP MLA from Kupwara, Fayaz Ahmad Mir, has submitted a Private Member’s Bill seeking a complete ban on liquor in Jammu and Kashmir.
  • The bill, set to be introduced in the upcoming budget session of the J&K Assembly, proposes prohibition on the advertisement, sale, purchase, consumption, and manufacture of alcoholic beverages in the Union Territory.
  • Mir warned that the rising alcohol consumption poses a serious threat to society, stressing the need for strict legislation to curb the trend. The bill also proposes harsh penalties, including imprisonment and fines, for violations.