In a joint resolution, the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly on Monday passed a resolution in which it condemned in strong words and deep anguish the terrorist attack at Pahalgam and assured that it would resist sternly any effort to disturb communal peace and hamper development.
The bill, introduced by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary during a special session, was passed by voice vote. In the two-minute silence, as observed by the House before proceeding, the victims of the 26 deaths resulting from the unfortunate tragedy last week were remembered.
According to the resolution, "The Legislative Assembly of Jammu and Kashmir reaffirms its firm resolve to establish an atmosphere of peace, development, and communal prosperity for all its citizens, and to battle relentlessly against the nefarious designs of those who desire to disturb the communal peace and development of the country and of the State of Jammu and Kashmir."
In a nutshell, the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who is also responsible for the department of tourism, condemned the terror attack in Pahalgam and accepted defaulting on his responsibility for ensuring the safe return of tourists.
The security scenario in Jammu and Kashmir is not the handiwork of the elected government, but this opportunity (terror attack) won't be taken by me for demanding statehood. In what way would I support the statehood demand on the grounds of Pahalgam terror attack?" Abdullah remarked.
Stressing the far-reaching impact of the attack, he said, "From north to south and from east to west… from Arunachal to Gujarat and Jammu and Kashmir to Kerala… the entire country has been shaken by this attack.".
Abdullah reacted to the fact that Baisaran was attacked after more than two decades. "We thought such attacks were history. Unfortunately, this (Pahalgam) attack has revived something we thought had been left behind. We cannot predict when another of these attacks might happen. I have no words to apologize to the families who lost their loved ones," he added.
Even in the aftermath of the horrific act, the Chief Minister added a sense of optimism from Kashmir.
"For the first time in many years, I witnessed the protests that were truly united. There was no political party and no leader who orchestrated them, and there was no organized banner or candle march. The outrage and shock were spontaneous from the heart, straight from people's hearts. All mosques remained silent," he said.
He emphasized the importance of developing this new unity and resilience among the people. "We must strengthen and nurture this spirit of unity, compassion, and resilience that has emerged from among the people themselves," he said.
Moving the resolution earlier, Deputy Chief Minister Choudhary said, "This House expresses its deep shock and distress at the barbaric and inhumane attack on innocent civilians in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025."
He strongly reiterated the Assembly's strong denunciation of the "heinous and cowardly act" that had taken innocent civilian lives.
Speaking of the resolution, Choudhary said, "Such acts of terror pose a direct challenge to the ethos of Kashmiriyat, the values enshrined in our Constitution, and the spirit of unity, peace, and harmony which have long characterized Jammu and Kashmir and our nation.".
The Assembly conveyed its deepest condolences to the victims and families of the attack and pronounced a solidaristic commitment to stand in solidarity with them in this traumatic period.
The House also remembered the bravery of Syed Adil Hussain Shah, the owner of a pony ride, who died in an attempt to rescue tourists when the attack happened. "His selflessness and courage are true reflections of the spirit of Kashmir and will inspire generations to come," it added.
The House praised the residents of Jammu and Kashmir for their exemplary oneness, compassion, and strength in the wake of the tragedy.
"The peaceful demonstrations in villages and towns, and the spontaneous exhibition of moral and material sympathy towards tourists, reassert people's unshakeable commitment to peace, communal harmony, and the rule of law," the resolution said.
It also referred to the Assembly's support for the Centre's diplomatic initiatives taken following the Cabinet Committee on Security meeting the day following the attack.
The resolution recognized the ill-will behind the selective targeting of the victims, cautioning against any rash efforts to fuel passions. "The necessity of staying united in the face of this attempted division cannot be overemphasised," it exhorted.
The House also requested all states and Union territories to safeguard the safety, dignity, and welfare of Kashmiri citizens and students residing or traveling outside Jammu and Kashmir and to appeal to the authorities to adopt preventive actions against any type of harassment, discrimination, and intimidation.
Finally, the verdict appealed to political parties, religious leaders and community leaders, youth groups, civil society organizations, and media houses nationwide to sustain peace, avoid rhetoric of separation, and cooperate to preserve values of unity, nonviolence, and the Constitution.
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