Omar Abdullah: Will Not Seek Statehood Amid National Mourning Over Pahalgam Terror Attack

 Srinagar — Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah declared that he would not pursue the demand for statehood at the cost of the 26 lives lost in the devastating Pahalgam terror attack. Addressing the J&K Assembly, Abdullah stated that while the issue of restoring statehood remains important, it would be inappropriate to raise political demands when the nation is grieving.

Expressing deep sorrow over the tragic events of April 22, Abdullah said, "We have witnessed many attacks in the past, but it has been 21 years since an assault of such magnitude occurred at Baisaran." He added, "As the host, it was my responsibility to ensure the safety of our guests. I failed, and I have no words to seek forgiveness from the bereaved families."

He firmly asserted, "After Pahalgam, with what face can I ask for statehood for Jammu and Kashmir? Is my politics that cheap?" Abdullah emphasized that while the restoration of statehood remains a long-standing demand, leveraging a national tragedy for political gains would be shameful. "We have talked about statehood in the past and will do so in the future, but not today."

The Chief Minister acknowledged that although security is primarily the responsibility of central forces, he personally felt accountable as both Chief Minister and Tourism Minister. "I failed to protect the guests who trusted us," he said emotionally.

Speaking about the broader fight against terrorism, Abdullah stated, "Militancy and terrorism will end only when people fully support us. Guns can control militancy, but true peace will come with the support of the people."

The terror attack on April 22, in the scenic Baisaran Valley of Pahalgam, left 26 people dead, including a Nepali national. Survivors revealed that the terrorists asked victims to recite the Kalma—a key Islamic declaration of faith—and targeted those who either could not or identified themselves as Hindus.

The attack triggered global outrage and swift retaliatory measures by India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), which decided on several strong actions, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan, revoking all visas issued to Pakistani nationals, and immediately closing the Attari-Wagah border.

The Central government had previously pledged to restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir following the 2019 abrogation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of the former state into two Union Territories.