The names of the victims of the terror attack claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF), a division of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, were read out by Abdullah during a special session of the J&K assembly.
Public protests against Pahalgam massacre
Abdullah praised the public response to the Pahalgam attack, saying people had come out on their own to protest all over Jammu and Kashmir.
“We are all against this. It has hollowed us from within… From Kathua to Kupwara, there is hardly any town or village where people have not come out of their homes to condemn this attack.”
The CM also said he was sorry for failing to protect tourists during the incident.
Remembrance of the deceased Abdullah honors heroism amidst tragedy
“Being the host, it was my duty to send the tourists back safely. I was unable to succeed. The CM stated, “I do not have the words to request an apology.” Abdullah also paid homage to Syed Adil Hussain Shah, a pony rider who died trying to save tourists in the attack.
“Adil without bothering about his life, saved many tourists. He laid down his life. Abdullah stated, “He decided to save them rather than flee.”
Abdullah’s stance
Call for decisive action against terrorism
The CM also reiterated he won’t use this tragedy to press for statehood from the Centre.
“Punish the guilty, show them no mercy, but don’t let innocent people become collateral damage,” Abdullah pleaded with authorities. In a rare display of unity between the opposition and treasury benches, the BJP welcomed Abdullah’s response.
Sunil Sharma of the BJP condemned the terrorist attack and thanked the CM and Assembly Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather for calling a special session.
Authorities demolish properties linked to terror suspects
The NIA has now taken over the investigation into the case. Security forces have also stepped up operations to find those behind the attack on tourists at Baisaran meadow on April 22.
The homes of terror suspects, such as Zakir Ahmad Ganie’s in Kulgam and LeT commander Shahid Ahmad Kuttay’s in Chotipora, Shopian, have been demolished by authorities. The houses of Adil Hussain Thoker (alias Adil Guree), Asif Sheikh in Awantipora, and Ahsan Sheikh in Pulwama were also destroyed.