"Not in Our Name": Omar Abdullah Condemns Pahalgam Attack, Lauds Kashmiri Unity Against Terror

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday strongly condemned the Pahalgam terror attack during a special one-day session of the state assembly convened in its aftermath. He asserted that the people of Jammu and Kashmir do not support or stand by such acts of terror, which claimed the lives of 26 individuals on April 22. The Chief Minister also commended the prompt response of local residents for their spontaneous and courageous efforts in helping the affected tourists.

"I do not have words to apologise to the bereaved families," said Abdullah. "I invited them to the state, but they returned home in coffins. What can I say to the child who saw his father drenched in blood, or to the wife of the Navy officer who was married just days ago? Some asked me what fault was theirs — they had come to Kashmir for the first time, simply on holiday. Now they will live with the regret of this visit for the rest of their lives."

Calling the attack a "dastardly" act that had left the people "hollow from within", Abdullah nonetheless urged looking for hope in dark times. "It is extremely difficult to search for silver linings during such moments," he admitted. "However, for the first time in 26 years, I witnessed the people of Jammu and Kashmir unite to condemn an act of terror."

He highlighted the spontaneous outpouring of grief and solidarity across the region. "From Kathua to Kupwara, people took to the streets to denounce this attack. They stood their ground and said, 'Not in my name.' This was not politically orchestrated — it was a genuine expression of the people's will. There were rallies, slogans, banners, candlelight vigils — all to convey that they do not support such acts of terror," Abdullah said.

Speaking from the floor of the house, Abdullah stressed that militancy and terrorism could only be defeated when the public stands firmly with the government. "This is an example of an opportunity we must act on," he said, urging authorities to nurture the spirit of the spontaneous people's movement.

The Chief Minister also praised local heroes, citing the bravery of Syed Adil Hussain, a pony rider who sacrificed his life to save tourists. "Everyone values their life, yet Adil gave up his own to protect others," Abdullah said. He also lauded residents who opened their homes to stranded visitors, ferried tourists to airports free of charge, and hotels that offered shelter without cost. In particular, he thanked a fruit chat vendor at Dal Lake, who despite his modest means, distributed free snacks to rebuild trust between locals and tourists.

Abdullah clarified that while the elected government continues to seek statehood for Jammu and Kashmir, it would be inappropriate to politicise the tragedy. "How can I demand statehood at a time like this? Talks of statehood will come and go, but now is the time to stand by the 26 bereaved families. Shame on me if I exploit this moment for political gain," said an emotional Omar Abdullah.​