J&K Assembly Condemns 'Barbaric' Terror Attack, Urges Media to Stop 'Irresponsibly Inflaming Passions'

Srinagar: A special session of Jammu and Kashmir legislative assembly to condemn the “barbaric and inhumane” Pahalgam terror attack has started today (April 28) with a resolution moved by the ruling National Conference terming it a “direct assault” on the constitution.

The resolution also paid homage to 26 civilians who were killed by terrorists in Pahalgam on April 22. It, notably, urged the media to stop “irresponsibly inflaming passions” – something which it said resulted in attacks on Kashmiri students among others in some parts of the country.

A two-minute silence was also observed in the assembly in memory of the 26 killed.

Last week, invoking powers under section 18(1) of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, J&K’s lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha summoned the assembly for a one-day session in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack on the advise of the council of ministers led by chief minister Omar Abdullah.

The resolution moved by J&K deputy chief minister Surinder Kumar Chaudhary in the assembly expressed “profound shock and anguish” over the Pahalgam attack in which more than dozen civilians also suffered injuries.

“This House unequivocally condemns the heinous, cowardly act that resulted in the loss of innocent lives. Such acts of terror are a direct assault on the ethos of Kashmiriyat, the values enshrined in our Constitution, and the spirit of unity, peace, and harmony that have long characterized Jammu & Kashmir and our Nation,” the resolution noted while extending condolences to the affected families.

“This House stands in full solidarity with the victims and their families. We extend our deepest condolences to those who have suffered irreparable loss and affirm our collective resolve to share in their grief and support them in their hour of need,” it added.

The resolution referred to the “supreme sacrifice” of Syed Adil Shah, a horse attendant and the Kashmiri Muslim who was killed in the attack along with 25 Hindu civilians while reportedly attempting to save the life of a female tourist.

“His courage and selflessness embody the true spirit of Kashmir and shall serve as an enduring inspiration for future generations,” the resolution noted.

The resolution commended the people of Jammu and Kashmir for “extraordinary display of unity, compassion, and resilience in the aftermath of the attack” at Baisaran meadow which is located seven kilometres from Pahalgam and is accessible only by foot, horse or chopper.

The attack in Pahalgam had sparked spontaneous protests and candlelight marches across Kashmir while a symbolic shutdown was also observed earlier this week to condemn the carnage and express solidarity with the victims.

All-party meeting in Kashmir

An all-party meeting, chaired by Abdullah, was also held at Srinagar’s Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre on April 24 to condemn the attack which was attended by representatives of all the political parties in Jammu and Kashmir.

“The peaceful demonstrations across towns and villages, and the spontaneous outpouring of moral and material support towards tourists, reaffirm the people's steadfast commitment to peace, communal harmony, and the rule of law,” the resolution stated.

The resolution said that the house has endorsed the diplomatic measures announced by the Union government on April 23, following the meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security, which included further downgrading of ties with Pakistan and the suspension of Indus Water Treaty among others.

“This House is mindful of the sinister design behind the selective targeting of the victims of this attack. It appeals to all the sections of the society and in particular the media to not fall victim to this sinister plot by irresponsibly inflaming passions. The need to remain united in the face of this attempted division cannot be over-emphasised,” the resolution noted.

The resolution appealed to the governments of all the states and Union territories across the country to ensure the safety, dignity and well-being of Kashmiri students and citizens, while calling for “necessary measures to prevent any incidents of harassment, discrimination, or intimidation”.

“This House calls upon all political parties, religious and community leaders, youth organizations, civil society groups, and media houses across the nation to maintain calm, reject violence and divisive rhetoric, and work collectively to uphold peace, unity, and constitutional values,” it said.

The budget session of the assembly, which was the first after the National Conference-led coalition government headed by chief minister Omar Abdullah assumed office in October last year, ended on April 9.

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