Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah delivered a profoundly moving and unifying speech in the J&K Legislative Assembly, addressing the devastating terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, which claimed the lives of 26 individuals—25 tourists and one local. The speech, marked by raw emotion, moral conviction, and a call for hope, not only condemned the heinous act but also highlighted the resilience of the Kashmiri people, the heroism of locals, and the urgent need for collective action to end terrorism in the region. Abdullah’s address, lauded even by the opposition, underscored a rare moment of unity and offered a vision for a terror-free Jammu and Kashmir, rooted in public support and administrative caution.
Omar Abdullah began his speech by reading out the names and home states of each of the 26 victims, a solemn act that emphasised the attack’s far-reaching impact across India, from “Arunachal to Gujarat, Jammu and Kashmir to Kerala.” This gesture humanised the tragedy, reminding the Assembly and the nation that the victims were not mere statistics but individuals whose loss reverberated across the country. By framing the attack as a wound to the entire nation, Abdullah rejected any notion that such violence could be justified in the name of Kashmiris. “None of us is with this attack,” he declared, directly challenging the terrorists’ claim that their actions were for the people of J&K. His words, “This attack has hollowed us out,” captured the collective grief and moral outrage felt by the region and beyond.
As the minister responsible for tourism, Abdullah expressed deep personal remorse for failing to ensure the safety of the victims, whom he had invited to experience the beauty of Jammu and Kashmir. His vulnerability was palpable as he recounted his struggle to find words to console the families, particularly children who witnessed their parents’ deaths and a Navy officer’s widow, married only days before the tragedy. “What could I say to those children who saw their fathers covered in blood?” he asked, laying bare the emotional toll of the attack. This admission of responsibility, despite security matters being under central government control, underscored his accountability as a leader and host, amplifying the sincerity of his apology.
The speech also served as a tribute to the extraordinary courage and humanity displayed by ordinary Kashmiris in the face of terror. Abdullah highlighted the sacrifice of Syed Adil Hussain Shah, a pony ride operator who lost his life while protecting a tourist, an act of selflessness that defied the instinct for self-preservation. He shared stories of locals who carried the injured to safety, cab drivers who offered free rides, hotel owners who opened their doors, and a shikarawallah who provided free fruit chaat despite earning a meager income. These acts of kindness and bravery, Abdullah argued, exemplified the true spirit of Kashmiri hospitality and resilience. “This is how we host,” he said, saluting the people who rose above fear to uphold their values.
A significant portion of Abdullah’s address focused on the unprecedented public response to the attack, which he saw as a turning point in the fight against terrorism. For the first time in over two decades, spontaneous protests erupted across Jammu and Kashmir, from Kathua to Kupwara, with people declaring, “Not in my name.” This outpouring of public condemnation, Abdullah argued, signaled a shift in sentiment and an opportunity to end terror. “Terror will end when people are with the administration,” he asserted, emphasizing that while militancy could be controlled with force, terrorism’s eradication required the active support of the populace. He urged the administration to act with caution, avoiding measures that could alienate the public and undermine this newfound unity.
Abdullah’s speech was notable not only for its emotional depth but also for its political significance. In a rare display of bipartisanship, the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party , led by Leader of the Opposition Sunil Sharma, praised his response, including his decision to convene an all-party meeting and the Assembly’s special session. This unity between the treasury and opposition benches reflected a shared commitment to condemning terrorism and supporting the victims. Abdullah also acknowledged the challenges faced by Kashmiri students in other parts of India post-attack, expressing gratitude to state governments that managed to control retaliatory sentiments, further reinforcing his call for national solidarity.
In his concluding remarks, Omar Abdullah struck a note of cautious optimism, urging stakeholders to seize the opportunity presented by the public’s rejection of terrorism. He warned against actions that could distance people from the administration, emphasising that the path to ending terror lay in fostering trust and collaboration. By framing the protests and acts of bravery as the “beginning of the end of terror,” he offered a vision of hope grounded in the collective will of the people.
Omar Abdullah’s speech in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack was a masterclass in leadership, blending grief, accountability, and a forward-looking vision. It honoured the victims, celebrated the heroism of ordinary Kashmiris, and called for a united front against terrorism. By acknowledging the pain of the past while pointing to the promise of a better future, Abdullah not only galvanised the Assembly but also sent a powerful message to the nation: that the people of Jammu and Kashmir stand resolute in their rejection of violence and their commitment to peace.