Speaking during a special session of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly on Sunday, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed profound grief over the Pahalgam attack that claimed 26 lives, and urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to decide on the appropriate response to Pakistan.
“This incident has affected the entire country. We have seen many such attacks in the past… An attack of such a large scale has been carried out after 21 years in Baisaran,” Abdullah said while addressing the House. Visibly emotional, he added, “I did not know how to apologise to the families of the deceased. Being the host, it was my duty to send the tourists back safely. I couldn’t do it. I do not have the words to seek an apology”.
Making it clear that he would not politicize the tragedy, Abdullah said he would not raise the demand for statehood at this moment of mourning.
“I will not use this moment to demand statehood. After Pahalgam, with what face can I ask for statehood for Jammu and Kashmir? Meri kya itni sasti siyasat hai? We have talked about statehood in the past and will do so in the future too, but it will be shameful on my part if I go and tell the central government that 26 people have died, now give me statehood,” he said.
Meanwhile, reacting to the Pahalgam attack, China called for calm and restraint between India and Pakistan. “We hope both sides will show restraint,” a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said in a brief statement.
The special Assembly session, marked by sombre speeches and moments of silence, reflected the deep sorrow and concern prevailing across the country following the brutal attack. (KDC)
