LA passes resolution against Pahalgam terror attack

Jammu, Apr 28: The J&K Legislative Assembly Monday unanimously passed the resolution, with a voice vote, condemning the Pahalgam terror attack and calling upon all stakeholders to ìreject violence, divisive rhetoricî and ìuphold peace.î

The resolution was passed in the special session of the J&K Legislative Assembly ó one of rare occasions in its legislative history - after a three-hour discussion.

The resolution, which was moved by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar after an obituary reference, expressed the profound shock and anguish of the House at the barbaric and inhumane attack perpetrated on innocent civilians at Pahalgam on April 22, 2025.

At the very outset, Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather referenced the tragic incident, which was followed by a two-minute silence observed by the entire House.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah wrapped up a discussion on the resolution before its unanimous passage.

All members paid their solemn tributes in measured words despite raising a few prickly yet relevant points. However, it was the poignant expressions of the Chief Minister, while condemning the incident and sharing solidarity with the victims that made his address not just one of his best speeches ever but probably in the records of the Legislative Assembly as well.

Before CM Omar, the Leader of Opposition (LoP) Sunil Sharma too resisted the temptation to respond to some oblique and direct barbs aimed at his party and leadership by a few members. He also stuck to the essence of resolution in letter and spirit.

Through the resolution, the House unequivocally condemned the heinous, cowardly act that resulted in the loss of innocent lives and described such acts of terror as an assault on the ethos of Kashmiriyat and the values of the constitution and the nation.

ìSuch acts of terror are a direct assault on the ethos of Kashmiriyat, the values enshrined in our Constitution and the spirit of unity, peace, and harmony that have long characterized Jammu and Kashmir and our nation,î the House resolved.

ìThis House stands in full solidarity with the victims and their families. We extend our deepest condolences to those who have suffered irreparable loss and affirm our collective resolve to share in their grief and support them in their hour of need,î the resolution mentioned.

The House also saluted the ìsupreme sacrifice of Shaheed Syed Adil Hussain Shah, who, while bravely attempting to save tourists, laid down his life.î His courage and selflessness embodied the true spirit of Kashmir and would serve as an enduring inspiration for future generations, it stated.

The resolution commended the people of Jammu and Kashmir for their extraordinary display of unity, compassion and resilience in the aftermath of the attack.

The House also noted with commendation that the peaceful demonstrations across towns and villages and the spontaneous outpouring of moral and material support towards tourists reaffirmed the peopleís steadfast commitment to peace, communal harmony, and the rule of law.

In another significant pointer, the resolution endorsed the diplomatic measures announced by the Union Government on April 23 after the meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS).

House, however, appealed to the media to act responsibly while understanding the nefarious designs of the perpetrators.

ìThis House is mindful of the sinister design behind the selective targeting of the victims of this attack. It appeals to all sections of society and in particular the media to not fall victim to this sinister plot by irresponsibly inflaming passions. The need to remain united in the face of this attempted division cannot be overemphasized,î it cautioned.

Touching another critical related issue that erupted as a fallout of the attack, the House earnestly appealed to the Governments of all States and Union Territories of India to ìensure the safety, dignity, and well-being of Kashmiri students and citizens residing or travelling outside Jammu and Kashmir.î

It urged them to take all necessary measures to prevent any incident of harassment, discrimination or intimidation.

The resolution called upon all political parties, religious and community leaders; youth organizations; civil society groups and media houses across the nation to maintain calm, reject violence and divisive rhetoric, and work collectively to uphold peace, unity, and constitutional values.

The Legislative Assembly of Jammu & Kashmir further resolved to reaffirm its ìunwavering commitment to foster an environment of peace, development and inclusive prosperity for all its citizens, and to resolutely defeat the nefarious designs of those who seek to disturb the communal harmony and progress of the nation and Jammu and Kashmir.î

Another significant aspect was that before the passage of the resolution, the names of all 26 victims were included in it (resolution).

This was first suggested by Peoples Conference MLA Sajad Lone, which was endorsed by the Chief Minister and a few other MLAs and approved by the Speaker.

Rather said, ìThe names are part of the obituary reference. I too had enquired about the names when ìobituary referenceî was being prepared. But we could not get names from the concerned quarters. It is good that Sajad Sahib has pointed it out and the Chief Minister has given us all the names (of the victims). They will now be part of the obituary reference.î

Following the passage of the resolution, the Speaker adjourned the House sine die.