Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Holds Emergency Meeting
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah acknowledged before an emergency Assembly session that he had failed to safeguard visiting tourists. He vowed the Assembly that he would not ask for statehood during a time of national mourning. Instead, he pledged to discuss statehood at a more suitable time.
Omar Abdullah Expresses Deep Regret
- Omar Abdullah lamented that the tourists could not be protected.
- He said it was the first time in 21 years that a big attack like this had taken place in Baisaran, Pahalgam.
- The Chief Minister said, "I cannot find the words to apologize to the families. Sending tourists back home safely was our responsibility, and we failed."
Statehood Demand Deferred Out of Respect
- Abdullah stated that it would be inappropriate and disrespectful to demand statehood at this moment.
- He reiterated the promise to pursue statehood in the future but emphasized the need to give priority to the memory of the victims.
- "Having lost 26 innocent lives, it is not the right moment to make political demands," he stated.
Call for Public Support to End Militancy
- The Chief Minister emphasized the need for public support to eliminate terrorism and militancy.
- He added, "Guns may suppress militancy for some time, but we require the support of the people to root it out for all time."
- Abdullah accepted responsibility on behalf of both as the Chief Minister and as the state's Tourism Minister for the lapse of security.
Pahalgam Attack Incident Overview
- On 22 April, terrorists attacked tourists at Baisaran Valley in Pahalgam.
- Reports were that attackers inquired about the religion of the tourists before proceeding with the killings.
- The episode sparked nationwide anger and instant political reaction all over Jammu and Kashmir.
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