The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Monday (April 28) unanimously passed a resolution expressing deep shock and anguish over the terrorist attack in Pahalgam. The Assembly resolved to stand united in defeating any attempts to disrupt communal harmony and hinder progress. Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary moved the resolution during a special session, which was passed by voice vote. The session began with a two-minute silence in honor of the 26 victims of last week’s attack.
The resolution reaffirmed the Assembly’s unwavering commitment to fostering peace, development, and inclusive prosperity, vowing to resolutely oppose those aiming to disturb Jammu and Kashmir’s communal harmony and progress.
“The Legislative Assembly of Jammu and Kashmir reaffirms its unwavering commitment to foster an environment of peace, development, and inclusive prosperity for all its citizens, and to resolutely defeat the nefarious designs of those who seek to disturb the communal harmony and progress of the nation and of Jammu and Kashmir,” the resolution stated.
CM Abdullah takes responsibility
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who also holds the tourism portfolio, concluded the discussion by condemning the attack and taking responsibility for the failure to ensure the safety of tourists. He emphasised that while security is not solely the elected government’s responsibility, he refused to use the tragedy to push for greater state powers.
Abdullah 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 affected by this attack.” Abdullah lamented that such an attack had not occurred in 21 years and acknowledged the uncertainty of preventing future incidents. Expressing his sorrow to the families of victims, he said, “I have no words to seek forgiveness.”
Abdullah hails public’s unified response
However, Abdullah found hope in the public’s spontaneous and unified response across Kashmir. He noted that the protests and mourning were genuine, without political orchestration, and highlighted that mosques observed silence as a mark of respect.
“For the first time in many years, I witnessed protests that were truly unified. No political party or leader orchestrated them, and no organised banners or candlelight marches were planned. The outrage and grief were spontaneous, coming straight from the hearts of the people. Every mosque observed silence” he said.
“This change must be encouraged and nurtured,” he said, calling for the strengthening of the newfound spirit of unity and resilience.
The Assembly commended the people of Jammu and Kashmir for their extraordinary display of unity, compassion, and resilience following the attack. The peaceful demonstrations and spontaneous support for tourists reaffirmed the people’s commitment to peace, communal harmony, and the rule of law. “The peaceful demonstrations across towns and villages, and the spontaneous outpouring of moral and material support towards tourists, reaffirm people’s steadfast commitment to peace, communal harmony, and the rule of law,” the resolution stated.
The resolution also endorsed the diplomatic measures announced by the Centre following the Cabinet Committee on Security’s meeting. It warned against falling prey to the divisive intentions behind the attack and urged the media to act responsibly to avoid inflaming public passions. Furthermore, it appealed to all states and Union Territories to ensure the safety, dignity, and well-being of Kashmiri students and citizens across the country, preventing any harassment or discrimination.
Finally, the Assembly called upon political parties, religious and community leaders, youth organisations, civil society groups and media houses nationwide to maintain calm, reject violence and divisive rhetoric, and work together to uphold peace, unity, and constitutional values.