Omar Abdullah: ‘I Failed My Duty’ – Key Takeaways from Kashmir CM’s Emotional Address
In a deeply moving address to the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed his profound regret over the recent Pahalgam attack that tragically claimed the lives of 25 tourists and a local resident. The Assembly stood united, passing a resolution condemning the horrific incident and reaffirming their commitment to combat terrorism.
This was Abdullah’s first speech since the attack, and it was marked by raw emotion and a sense of responsibility. He admitted that he had failed in his duty to ensure the safety of the tourists, a responsibility he carries as the tourism minister. ‘I felt helpless in apologizing to the victims’ families,’ he confessed, calling the Pahalgam attack one of the worst in over two decades.
A Nation in Mourning
Abdullah emphasized that the impact of this tragedy extends far beyond the borders of Jammu and Kashmir. ‘From north to south and from east to west… from Arunachal to Gujarat and Jammu and Kashmir to Kerala… the entire country has been affected by this attack,’ he stated. Protests erupted across India, security was heightened at tourist destinations, and the nation mourned together. The attack was the deadliest targeting civilians since the 26/11 Mumbai attacks in 2008.
Statehood Debate Put on Hold
In the wake of the tragedy, Abdullah, who had previously expressed hope for statehood restoration following discussions with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, stated that he would not use this event to push for it. ‘How can I push for statehood using the Pahalgam terror attack?’ he questioned, recognizing the sensitivity of the situation.
Finding Hope in Unity
Despite the pain and anger, Abdullah found a glimmer of hope in the spontaneous unity that emerged across Kashmir. ‘For the first time in many years, I witnessed protests that were truly unified,’ he observed. ‘No political party or leader orchestrated them, and no organised banners or candlelight marches were planned.’ The grief and outrage were raw and genuine, coming directly from the hearts of the people. He urged that this rare unity be nurtured to help heal the Valley.
A Plea for Compassion
Addressing the Centre, Abdullah issued a crucial warning against heavy-handed tactics, emphasizing that alienating the public would only fuel militancy. ‘We should not take any step that will alienate people,’ he cautioned. ‘We cannot control a terrorist with a gun, but we can end militancy if people are with us.’ He stressed the importance of compassion and understanding in the fight against terrorism.
