‘Curse Upon Me If I Politicize Tragedy’: Omar Defers Statehood Demand Post-Pahalgam Attack

CM Hails ‘Not In My Name’ Public Outcry as Historic ‘Revolt Against Terror’, Signals ‘Beginning of End’ for Terrorism

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah declared the widespread, spontaneous public condemnation across Kashmir following the Pahalgam attack marks a historic “revolt against terrorism,” potentially signalling the “beginning of the end” for terrorism in the region.
Addressing a special session of the J&K Legislative Assembly, an emotional Abdullah powerfully rejected leveraging the tragedy for political gains like statehood restoration at this time, calling such thoughts a “curse upon me.”
He highlighted symbolic acts like the two-minute silence observed at Srinagar’s Jamia Masjid and numerous instances of ordinary Kashmiris displaying exceptional hospitality and bravery towards tourists amid the crisis.
The Assembly unanimously passed a resolution condemning the “inhuman” attack, with Abdullah emphasizing the collective grief uniquely understood by a House that has itself endured violence and loss over decades.

jj correspondent
Jammu, April 28, 2025: In a emotional and forceful address to a specially convened session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah asserted that the collective public outcry against the recent horrific Pahalgam terror attack represents a pivotal moment – the first time Kashmir has truly “revolted against terrorism” since the conflict began. Framing the spontaneous demonstrations of grief and rejection across the valley as the “beginning of the end of terrorism,” Abdullah passionately condemned the violence while firmly refusing to politicize the deaths of 26 innocent civilians by demanding statehood at this juncture.
Convened under tragic circumstances just days after vibrant budget debates, the Assembly session, facilitated by the Lieutenant Governor, became a forum for collective mourning and resolve. Abdullah, visibly moved, stated, “No other Parliament or Assembly can understand the pain of these 26 innocent lives lost, as much as this House does,” recalling the personal losses suffered by members like Shagun Parihar, Sakina Itoo, and Sajad Lone, and the dreadful attack on the Assembly complex itself in October 2001.
Amidst deep sorrow, Abdullah emphatically rejected any notion of exploiting the tragedy for political leverage, specifically addressing the sensitive issue of restoring statehood revoked post-Article 370. “How can I, with what face, use the deaths of 26 innocent people to go to Delhi and demand statehood?” he questioned rhetorically. “Am I so cheap? Is the value of those lives so little…? No. Curse upon me even if I think of such a thing.” He assured the House that the fight for statehood would continue, but declared, “Today, there is no politics… Only one thing: a heartfelt condemnation of the attack and solidarity with the families.”
The Chief Minister painted a vivid picture of the unprecedented public reaction that followed the April 22 attack. “For the first time in twenty-six years, I saw the people of Jammu and Kashmir stand up and say, ‘Not in my name’,” he described. He stressed the organic nature of these protests – citizens from Kathua to Kupwara lighting candles, carrying banners, walking silently, driven by personal conviction, not political directives. “They came out on their own… to tell the perpetrators: whoever you did this for, you did not do it for me.” He emphasized the significance of a two-minute silence observed at Srinagar’s historic Jamia Masjid before Friday prayers, an act laden with meaning for every Kashmiri. “This attack was not done for us – it was done against us,” he stressed.
Expressing profound personal grief, Abdullah recounted visiting the police control room on the night of the attack, standing helpless before the bodies and the bereaved families. “What apology would ever suffice?” he asked. Acknowledging that security responsibilities technically lie elsewhere, he accepted moral responsibility as Chief Minister and Tourism Minister for inviting visitors and failing to ensure their safe return. He shared the heart-wrenching words of a newlywed widow, underscoring the senselessness of the violence targeting tourists from across India – “an attack on the very soul of India.”
Countering the narrative of violence, Abdullah shared inspiring stories of Kashmiri resilience and hospitality: a young boy shielding a tourist family under fire, Dal Lake boatmen offering free fruit, taxi drivers and hoteliers providing shelter without charge. “This is the Kashmir I am proud of. This is our spirit,” he affirmed.
He also acknowledged reports of Kashmiris facing harassment elsewhere in India post-attack, thanking state governments that acted quickly and announcing strengthened helplines for future emergencies. However, he issued a stern warning against spreading fake news and misinformation online: “Stop your mischief… We will not tolerate it.”
Concluding his address, Abdullah called for unity, reiterating that lasting peace depends on the people walking alongside the administration against terror. The House subsequently unanimously adopted a resolution condemning the barbaric attack, with the names of the 26 victims read out and formally included in the obituary reference, marking a solemn, unified stand against the violence that scarred Pahalgam.